by Veronica Hotovy
St. Gianna Program Manager
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Roughly a year and a half ago, we began our first Bible study at St. Gianna Women’s Home, upon the request of the visiting Christ in the City missionaries. While I wasn’t certain exactly how successful our turnout would be, we agreed, thankful that the female missionaries wanted to live out a part of their service at St. Gianna’s.
We provided a meal the first night, and got a much larger group than expected to stick around for the entire event. When week two rolled around—this time with just some little snacks—nearly everyone returned. For the final week with the missionaries, the residents themselves organized a meal that they wanted to share with us. During what we expected to be our final Bible study, they asked us if we would be willing to continue after the missionaries left.
Filled with encouragement, we happily agreed. While our numbers did dwindle a bit after the initial rush of a fun, new activity, Tuesday evening became a very special time at St. Gianna’s. It’s a place where the women can get to know each other a bit more, receive support in all that they face on a daily basis, and be filled with the Lord’s love.
When the idea was originally suggested, I don’t think I ever could have imagined how great a blessing it would become. But even more surprising, I never would have guessed that we would add a second one.
We’ve recently had a number of Spanish-speaking women living with us, and a couple of months ago we decided to form a weekly group with them in order to help them connect more amongst each other. I was rather surprised when the first day, they requested that it be a Bible study.
These two groups have spoken to my heart just as much as they have to theirs. It has been a joy to watch them grow in their faith, and in their relationships with each other. Countless times I’ve seen a woman offer words of encouragement to another, or a mother give advice and praise to a new mom. It’s been a beautiful opportunity to see God working in their lives, both through His Word and through the interactions that He permits to take place.
I’m so thankful to be a part of those moments, and thankful to be in a place that allows us to truly work alongside God as we help Him tend to His women and children.
