Daniel Shachle, a devoted father from Connecticut, experienced a profound transformation in his life when his wife, Michelle, became pregnant with their 13th child. The child was diagnosed in-utero with a severe case of fetal hydrops, a life-threatening condition involving an abnormal buildup of fluids in the tissue around the lungs, heart or abdomen. The doctor told the couple that the baby had a zero percent chance of survival, and advised them to abort. They not only refused the abortion option, but Daniel also refused to give up hope. They had already been preparing for a trip to the Marian shrine in Fatima, Portugal, awarded to Daniel for his work as an insurance agent for the Knights of Columbus. The Schachles started praying for a miracle, seeking the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus.
Blessed Michael McGivney, a parish priest in the late 19th century, dedicated his life to serving others, particularly widows and orphans. He founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 to provide financial security for Catholic families and works of charity for the less fortunate. His legacy of compassion and service has inspired countless individuals, and the Shachle family found solace in his example during their darkest hours.
After Daniel and Michelle returned from Fatima, Michelle had a follow-up ultrasound, and the fetal hydrops was completely gone. The doctors were astonished at what looked like the ultrasound of a completely different baby. In honor of Michael McGivney, the Shachles named their baby Michael, and he became known as “Miracle Mikey”. Because of Daniel’s connections to the Knights of Columbus, this miraculous healing eventually caught the attention of the Vatican, leading to an investigation into the case.
In 2020, the Vatican recognized Mikey’s healing as a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney, paving the way for McGivney’s beatification. This momentous occasion not only celebrated McGivney’s life and contributions, but also highlighted the power of faith and community in times of crisis. The Shachle family’s journey stands as a testament to hope, love, and the enduring impact of a father’s prayer, forever linking their story to the legacy of Blessed Michael McGivney and the Knights of Columbus.
There is so much more to this story. I invite you to check out my full interview with Daniel Schachle on my Being Pro Life podcast. You can listen to the podcast on your favorite audio player on your phone, go directly to this link, or watch the video version here. May his story inspire you to also never give up hope, and trust in the Lord in all things.
