Jack Traynor 

John 'Jack' Traynor (1883 - 1943) was born and raised in Liverpool. His Irish mother died when he was quite young but her faith, devotion to Mass and Holy Communion and trust in Our Lady stayed with him as a memory and example. He attended St. Patrick's Primary School, and upon leaving education became a sailor in the merchant navy. 

When the First World War broke out Jack was mobilized with the Royal Navy Reserve. He took part in several operations, including in 1915 with the landings at Gallipoli. During this, Jack was severely injured due to being hit by machine-gun fire. Numerous medical operations took place in Egypt and England which were unsuccessful. Jack eventually returned to Liverpool and lived in Grafton Street with his wife and children. By 1923 Jack had been seen by ten doctors, he was unable to stand or walk, experiencing frequent epileptic fits, three open wounds, and no feeling or movement in his right arm.

Jack discovered there was to be a pilgrimage to Lourdes in July 1923 at a cost of £13 with a deposit of £1 to book a place. Many people, including the priest in charge of the pilgrimage, tried to persuade him not to travel. Jack was determined and travelled from Liverpool by train, by sea to France, and another train to Lourdes. During the journey Jack was very unwell, and arrived in Lourdes on 22nd July.

Despite his condition, Jack was able to take part in bathing at the baths and other services. On the afternoon of 25th July, he was again taken to the baths and then onto the Blessed Sacrament Procession in the Rosary Square. When Jack was blessed by the Blessed Sacrament, he realised a great change had taken place in him. His right arm became agitated, and he was able to bless himself for the first time in many years. The three Liverpool doctors, when he was back in the Asile, examined Jack and found he had recovered the voluntary use of his legs and he could walk with difficulty. The next morning, Jack was able to run to the Grotto and pray in thanksgiving to OUr Lady. The news spread throughout Liverpool pilgrims.

The three Liverpool doctors examined Jack before he left Lourdes and, in their statement, witnessed that he could walk perfectly, had recovered the use of his right arm, the opening in his skull had diminished, and that there had been no more epileptic crises. The day before, he had taken off the alst of the bandages and every one of his sores was healed.

When Jack returned to Liverpool there were great crowds to welcome him and see him walk down the station platform with his wife. It made the headlines of local papers. The official report, issued by the Medical Bureau at Lourdes in 1926, delcared that "this extraordinary cure is absolutely beyond and above the powers of nature".

Jack, having recovered from his war injuries, started a coal and haulage business. He also returned to Lourdes each year to help as a brancardier.