Dominic Auricchio, a 13-year-old from New Jersey, believes a vision of the Virgin Mary led to the miraculous shrinking of a brain tumor. The devout Catholic, who aspires to become a priest, shared his experiences, which he says have strengthened his faith and commitment to the clergy.
Auricchio first felt a calling to the priesthood at age 4 after a dream in which he spoke with God. This aspiration has evolved, with him now also considering becoming a Marine before entering the seminary, following in the footsteps of his father, Neal, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq. "It's now priest slash Marine. I want to become a Marine first and then join the priesthood," Dominic stated.
In December 2022, Auricchio began experiencing severe headaches, leading to an MRI that revealed a large mass on his brain. His mother, Maria, recalled the difficult decision-making process regarding potential surgery. "We didn't want obviously to do surgery if we didn't have to . . . because of where it was, they would have had to cut into bone," she said.
Months later, in June 2023, following what he described as a vision of the Virgin Mary in his bedroom, Auricchio underwent a CAT scan. He reported that his mother was informed that surgery was no longer necessary, and subsequent MRIs showed only a small blip where the tumor had been. "Now, when he has an MRI, it appears as just a very small blip," Maria confirmed.
During this challenging period, Dominic remained steadfast in his prayers and Catholic faith. He serves as an altar boy at St. Helen's Church and participates in inclusive Masses, assisting a girl with autism. "I feel closer to God every time I do that," he said about his volunteer work.
Auricchio was recently named the winner of the Cardinal Joseph Tobin Essay and Video Contest, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Newark. His winning entry discussed his divine encounters, his commitment to the priesthood, and his empathy for others, stemming from his health struggles. In his video, he stated, "Priesthood is a life of service, sacrifice and joy, centered on Jesus. I trust that God is guiding me step by step. And I hope to answer his call one day."
His video also touched upon a letter he wrote to Pope Francis in fifth grade, requesting blessed items. He received a military Bible, holy water, and a crucifix, all blessed by the Pope. "I was really excited that morning," he recalled.
Auricchio's experiences with seizures, the causes of which remain unknown, have also shaped his perspective. "These experiences have helped me understand how other people feel when they are scared or hurting. I want to be someone who brings comfort and hope," he said. He won a $1,500 prize for his award-winning essay and video. "Even if something bad happens, it's part of his plan, so you just have to go with it," he added regarding his faith amidst medical challenges.