Tuesday, November 27, 2007

A Modern Young Adult Saint


Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the National Shrine of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla in Warminster, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

I first became acquainted with St. Gianna by accident one day while shopping at the Guild, the Diocese of Scranton's store for Catholic goods and books. While looking for a prayer card, I saw a picture of a young woman holding a baby. The prayer card just gave a simple prayer to her, nothing more. There was no explanation as to who she was or what she was doing with the children.

Out of curiosity, I purchased the prayer card, brought it home, and immediately did a websearch on St. Gianna. Tears came to my eyes when I realized who she was and why she was declared a saint.

Gianna Beretta Molla was born on October 4, 1922 in Magenta (near Milan), Italy. She was a very devout Catholic, having undertaken a course in spiritual exercises at age 15 and even making a pilgramage to Loudes in her early thirties to ask the Blessed Virgin Mary if she should marry or become a Catholic missionary to Brazil, like her older brother.

Gianna married Pietro Molla in 1955 and they had three children. She is usually seen pictured with her daughter, Maria Zita (nicknamed Mariolina), who died at age 6 a few years after Gianna's death.

In September 1961, Gianna was two months pregnant when doctors discovered a large uterine tumor. A physician herself, Gianna knew that the only way to save her life would be to remove her uterus, which would kill the unborn child in her woumb. Gianna chose to have the tumor removed surgically and continue the pregnancy.

A few days before the baby was born, the doctors tried to convince her to have an abortion so she would live. Gianna told Pietro, "If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child. I insist on it. Save the baby."

Baby Gianna Emanuela Molla was born a few days later. Gianna herself then began to experience severe uterine pain. Despite all efforts to save her life, Gianna Beretta Molla died on April 28, 1962, which is now celebrated as her feast day. Her last words were "Jesus, I love you! Jesus, I love you!"

Baby Gianna Emanuela, now grown, is a doctor herself. Gianna Beretta Molla was the last saint cannonized by Pope John Paul II in 2004.

St. Gianna is considered the "Pro-Life" Saint, which is absolutely appropriate since she refused an abortion. However, I offer this for your consideration: St. Gianna can also be a saint for young adults. She became involved in her Catholic faith at a young age. During her twenties and early thirties she was so involved with her faith that she wanted to give up the life she knew in Italy to minister to the poor in Brazil. As a young mother, she put her children's needs above her own, resulting in the loss of her life at age 39. St. Gianna is an example for all modern Catholic young adults, especially young Catholic women who want a career and a family.

Prayer to St. Gianna Beretta Molla:
Lord of life, we thank You for the heroic witness of St. Gianna Beretta Molla. You have taught us that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for others. St. Gianna did this, not only as she gave birth to her last child, but also in her everyday life as she died to herself so that she could live wholly for You. What selflessness we see in her! Help us, we pray, that through the intercession of St. Gianna, our society may regain a sense of the sacredness of all human life. Fill us with her spirit of courage to suffer any struggle rather than deny You and the sanctity of human life. We ask You this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

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