The Smile of God

Details: 28 June 2013

I've heard it said many times that the best way of spreading the Catholic faith is through a smile. Many women who come to us escaping domestic violence and abortion have not had many smiles directed to them in their lives. Sadly, the opposite is true. Instead of smiles, love and kindness, they are used to enduring frowns, anger, mental and physical abuse.

Once at St. Gianna’s, these women and their children respond to the smiles of the Marian Sisters and our volunteers. In addition, to those who are open to it, they respond best to the smile of Jesus Christ present in the tabernacle at our St. Gianna Chapel.

One particular woman’s story comes to mind. She came to us with a horrific story, which unfortunately is all too typical. After moving in, she started spending time in the St. Gianna Chapel crying. She informed us it was one of the few places, if not the only place, where she felt peace, joy and comfort. She wondered why and was told by the Marian Sisters it was because Jesus Christ was present in the tabernacle and was truly with her. She was experiencing the smile of Jesus.

Once after the death of another resident’s grandmother, she immediately took her to the chapel to cry and pray. After a while, she started attending Mass but didn’t seem interested in learning about the Catholic faith. As time went on, the smiles of Jesus Christ continued along with the actions of the Holy Spirit. Now, she has informed me she is ready for classes and has interest in becoming a Catholic.

Jesus said, "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day" (Jn 6:40). There is no better place to gaze on the face of Jesus than in a chapel that contains the Eucharist, especially during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Only the Word of the Father, made flesh in the Holy Spirit can heal the wounds of sin and division.

We are most grateful to all who support Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes, which allows us to share the love of God with the many individuals and families that come to us. Please know that when we at Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna’s gather either individually or collectively in any of our five (soon to be six) chapels, we do so in part to pray for our supporters.

When you are in the presence of Our Eucharistic King, please remember us as well. Sacred Heart of Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, and St. Joseph, pray for us. St. Gianna and all of our patron saints, pray for us!