During the beginning of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, I was privileged to spend some time with Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla. She lives today because of the selfless love of her mother, St. Gianna Beretta Molla (she and St. John Paul II were the two patron saints of the conference). “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13).
As a young woman in her 30s, Gianna Beretta (already a physician) traveled to Lourdes, France where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette, declaring that she is the Immaculate Conception. Only God knows how many miracles have happened since these famous apparitions. It is safe to assume that many never go through the rigorous process to have their miracles validated by their team of investigators.
It was there Gianna went to discern her vocation. She asked Our Lady of Lourdes for her prayers and intercession and that, if her vocation was to the married life, for God to lead her to a holy man. Not long after that providential trip, she met her husband, Pietro.
It is evident from the letters of both Pietro and Gianna, and the testimony of their family and friends, that not only was their Catholic faith the most important element in their lives but it shaped the nature of their engagement and their six years of married life.
During Gianna’s fourth pregnancy, she developed a tumor on her uterus. Her doctor gave her two choices – her life, or the life of her baby. On Holy Saturday, April 21, 1962, she gave birth to Gianna Emanuela. One week later, she entered eternity.
On Wednesday Sept. 23, I accompanied Dr. Gianna Emanuela to the Cathedral of Ss. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. It was there that many items of her mother, St. Gianna, were on display, including her wedding dress. After Mass, in the sacristy, I was able to see a beautiful vestment which contains an image of her mother when she was in Lourdes, France, made in part from St. Gianna’s wedding dress.
Knowing that I wish to lead a pilgrimage to Italy to visit Magenta, the birthplace of St. Gianna; Milan, the city where she worked and died; Rome; and Lourdes, France, she informed me that when I visit, she will accompany those who make this pilgrimage to Lourdes.
As I left Philadelphia, Dr. Gianna Emanuela assured me of her prayers, and asked me for mine. I am comforted that Gianna Emanuela is praying for us here in Nebraska! Please keep her and her intentions in your prayers. St. John Paul II, pray for us. St. Junípero Serra, pray for us. And St. Gianna, pray for us!
