On Jan. 29, the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, a young single woman with a beautiful little girl attended Mass at St. Gianna’s. I had seen her at Mass several times before.
The gospel was about the beatitudes as written in St. Matthew’s gospel: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Mt 5:3-12).
After Mass, the mom was beaming. I remember how different she was when she first came to St. Gianna’s. The Endow group for women, which is run by some wonderful and holy lady volunteers, has helped her realize her God-given dignity as a daughter of God. The woman told me that at the Endow meetings, she made sure to tell the ladies how much she loves the beatitudes.
She also said that she and her daughter are in the habit of praying in the chapel every morning, as she sometimes asks, “Mommy, are we going to say hi to Jesus this morning?” It is there that they thank Jesus for another day. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” It is because of the grace of God, our donors, St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes, the Marian Sisters, and the Endow ladies that she is now being comforted.
I am happy to announce that on Sunday, Feb. 26, we will hold our 30th annual “Celebration of Caring” banquet at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. The social hour begins at 4:30 p.m. with the dinner/program at 6 p.m. This year, Vince and Theresa Seiker from Lincoln will receive the Cor Christi award, which is translated ‘Heart of Christ,’ for their love for Jesus as evidenced by their love of neighbor.
I hope you will be able to join us Feb. 26 at the Cornhusker Hotel, as we reflect on what Catholic Social Services has accomplished with the grace of God during the past year and as we give the Cor Christi award to a well-deserving couple. (Click here to download a registration form.)
If you are unable to join us, please keep us in your prayers so we can, with the grace of God, continue to help the many individuals and families that come to us like the single mother described above with her little girl.
Please know that we at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska will keep you, your family and intentions in our daily prayers and Masses.
