Danielle Bean is holding a raffle that is well worth our participation -- details here. The charity will benefit Saint Gianna's Maternity Home in North Dakota.
Of course, Saint Gianna's life was a remarkable testament to faith, trust, and maternal love:
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962) was an Italian wife, mother, and physician who sacrificed her own life so that her unborn child would live.Gianna and her husband Pietro had three beautiful children, but they were anxious to have more. During her last pregnancy, doctors discovered that Gianna had a painful uterine tumor.To have it removed would have caused the death of her unborn child.
She declined the medical procedure during the pregnancy and told her husband,"I renew the offering of my life to the Lord. I am ready for anything as long as my baby is saved." A few days after giving birth to baby Gianna Emanuela Molla, Saint Gianna died of multiple complications of the delivery.
The foundation of Gianna's spiritual life was a fervent prayer life that began at an early age. She saw her husband Pietro and the children that they bore together as gifts from God, given to her simply as signs of His abundant love, and this instilled in her heart a profound sense of gratitude. Their family, they prayed, would be a "cenacle where Jesus may reign over all affections, desires, and actions." She sanctified each day and all of the activities in it because of her desire to serve the Lord. She provides a lesson for all of those who strive for holiness in their every day lives.
Saint Gianna was canonized on May 16, 2004 by Pope John Paul II. Saint Gianna's Maternity Home was named for this inspirational pro-life modern day saint.
The family, including Gianna Emanuela, was present at her beatification, and her daughter chose to study medicine as well, in honour of her mother. Please support this excellent endeavor!
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