“Our task is to make the truth visible and lovable in ourselves, offering ourselves as an attractive and, if possible, heroic example.” — Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
Saint Gianna was a mother as well as a medical doctor who lived in Italy from 1922-1962. As a young doctor, she once remarked, “The doctor should not meddle. The right of the child to live is equal to the right of the mother’s life. The doctor cannot decide; it is a sin to kill in the womb.” Years later when she became a mother herself, Gianna stayed true to her words, insisting that her child’s life be spared when complications arose in her pregnancy, even though it meant hers might end as a result; which it did just days after the birth of her youngest child, Gianna Emanuela.
On Wednesday, my son met Gianna’s son, Pierluigi.
November 1956: Pierluigi Molla is born to Pietro and Gianna Beretta Molla
(Pierluigi pictured here as a toddler with his mother)
November 2002: Adam Salonen is born to Troy and Roxane Salonen
April 21, 1962: Gianna gives birth to her fourth child, despite complications.
April 21, 1941: Adam’s maternal grandmother is born.
April 28, 1962: Gianna dies at age 39 after seven days of intense suffering.
May 16, 2004: Blessed Gianna becomes Saint Gianna during a canonization ceremony by Pope John Paul II.
May 12, 2010: Gianna’s oldest child and only son, Pierluigi, visits North Dakota from Italy as a special guest to honor his mother and the Saint Gianna Maternity Home in Warsaw, ND, which was named for her. Because of her affiliation with the home, Mrs. J. Eppler and her first-grade class leave their school grounds to take part in an invitation-only breakfast with Pierluigi at a Fargo hotel.
Adam, son of Roxane, meets Pierluigi, son of Gianna, the saint.
Wednesday was a high-energy day, with one of our family members anticipating his chance to hang out with the offspring of a saint. I’ll be writing more about this blessed crossing in the future. Until then, to find out more about Saint Gianna, why she’s so special, and her connection to North Dakota, go here.
Q4U: There are everyday saints all around us, as well as those canonized by the Church who serve as an inspiring example of what is possible when we live our lives for God. If you could dine with a saint, which one would you choose?
What a great experience for Adam. Thanks for sharing the story and pictures. I don’t know enough about saints to have any idea who would be a good dinner companion. I’ll stick with real life mama-pals who make me feel great about myself.
Wow, this is really awesome!
She’s not a saint (yet), but I’d love to have dined with Mother Teresa! She was a remarkable woman, and I’m sure dinner conversation would’ve been fascinating.
Saint Terese of Lisieux. I read her story several years ago and was forever touched.
What a great day for your son, Roxane. I love the way you told this story.
have a wonderful weekend, friend! 🙂
Mary, mama pals count, especially those who reflect God’s love, and I know you have plenty of those sorts around you, as well as being one yourself. 🙂
Laura, I would have loved that, too. My friend, Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle, knew Blessed Teresa of Calcutta personally. Somehow, even having crossed paths with those who knew saints (or were birthed through them)has been an incredible blessing to me. Reading Donna’s book, Mother Teresa and Me, for example, helped me feel very connected to her.
Shannon, yes, such a humble woman…that would be an amazing experience to be in her presence. Giving all for God as she did — there is such freedom in that. I know I have not come as close as she has, but what a wonderful example.
I love all your choices!
Having come this close to St. Gianna, I think she is my new choice, though St. Monica and Our Blessed Mother would also be in the running, along with St. Bernadette.
What a lovely story! I only heard about St.Gianna last year – what a beautiful life she led.
I would love to have dinner with St. Margaret of Scotland.