A Melbourne couple placed their complete trust in God when their fifth child came hastily into the world, journalist SELINA VENIER shared in their joy
MATTHEW MacDonald may have physically helped deliver his fifth child in the corridor of the family’s Melbourne home in December, but he “feels uncomfortable” about taking the credit.
“Clearly Julie had a great deal to do with it,” he said of his wife following Ana-Lucia’s birth.
“(And) the ambulance officer on the phone was like our guardian angel.”
Matthew, who grew up in Brisbane and is now executive officer of the Life, Marriage and Family Office of Melbourne Archdiocese, said “in the end” the couple were “just playing their part”.
“Was it not simply God’s plan and nature taking their course?” he asked, then adding, “I feel more like the recipient of a gift than the delivery man.”
“As parents, we co-operate in conception, birth and life.
“While our human free will certainly gives us opportunities to make choices, we would be fools to believe we are in control of our lives.
“That truth, which has come flooding home to so many Australians in recent weeks, is one that anyone anticipating a birth is reminded of.”
While Matthew says he “wasn’t in control or in charge” of the birth he understands he “clearly had a responsibility to demonstrate love by service and protection” and that related to Julie as much as his daughter.
Ana-Lucia’s imminent birth provided a faith-filled backdrop to the Christmas story of Jesus’ coming into the world.
“As we sat in the pew on Christmas Eve and listened to the Nativity Gospel … after Mass we talked with our children about what it may have been like for Mary, mounted on a donkey, having contractions, knowing her baby was on its way – and having no place to give birth,” he said.
While contractions “came and went” on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Ana-Lucia then decided to make a hasty arrival at 3am on December 27.
“Dazed and barely awake I asked if I should call the hospital to tell them we were coming,” Matthew said of the early-morning wake up call.
“(There was) no time, just call an ambulance, I think it happening now,” he remembered Julie saying.
“I quickly dressed and called triple zero. After confirming the address details and making sure the light was on out front, the ambulance operator asked, ‘Is she in labour now?’
“‘Yes’ (was the response) … ‘try and get her to lie down’.”
Matthew said as he helped Julie up he saw “the crown of the baby’s head”.
“So there in the hallway, with the invaluable guidance of the operator, Ana-Lucia made her way out,” he said.
“The ambulance arrived a few minutes later to find her wrapped in a bath towel and suckling at her mother’s breast – everyone very surprised but content.”
Reflecting on the experience that afternoon in the hospital, they recalled a conversation weeks prior.
“I had mused about how we would manage if we had to deliver a baby ourselves,” Matthew said.
“I was aware that for me, delivering one of my own children was a longing which I hardly dared to utter – a prayer which I hadn’t the boldness to offer – but evidently one which God heard and answered.
“I am left with a deeper sense what God calls me to be in what remains of my life – and with images that I’ll not easily forget.
“(And) finally, it reminds me that my heavenly Father knows me better than I know myself.
“He answers my prayers before – even if, in fact – they never pass my lips and in this too he teaches me.”
Matthew and Julie are parents of Sophia, 8, Joseph, 6, Raphael, 4, Francis, 2 and Ana-Lucia.
The couple met through mutual friends and have been married for 10 years.
