“Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink.” // John 6:54
Saint Gianna Berretta was born just over one hundred years ago in Milan into a faithful Catholic family. She embraced her Catholic heritage fully and saw life for the beautiful gift that it is. Upon obtaining a medical degree, she generously poured back into her community, serving mothers, babies, the elderly, and the poor with a special focus on pediatrics.
Her marriage to Pietro Molla was a happy one, and they strove to urge one another towards the ultimate good: Heaven. It is said, “With simplicity and equilibrium she harmonized the demands of mother, wife, doctor and her passion for life” (source).
When Gianna was pregnant with their fourth child, it was discovered that she had a fibroma in her uterus. Rather than go forward with an abortion or a hysterectomy (both of which would have led to the end of the life of her child), Gianna chose the path of love, having the surgeon solely remove the tumor, but putting her own life a risk.* Fully trusting in the Providence of God, Gianna chose to protect her little girl.
The baby was born healthy and strong, and Gianna passed away one week later.
Today we celebrate this modern Saint’s life and entry into the Church Triumphant. Our Gospel reading from John 6 tells of Jesus’ rebuttal to the Jews queries regarding eating His Flesh. As Catholics, this is a promise and source of great hope. At each Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we are literally invited to receive Jesus within us. His promise is one of life, one that Gianna trusted in completely when she chose love knowing God’s plan extended past this life on earth.
Today I challenge you to get out your planner, and write down a date and time this coming week you will attend an extra Daily Mass to partake in this greatest of gifts. And maybe eat some gelato to celebrate this Milanese Saint.
*For more information on the Church’s teaching on the principle of double effect and the circumstances of Saint Gianna’s death see here.
Sarah Ortiz is a Catholic convert, wife, and mother to five boys while living in a 200-year-old farmhouse in Western New York. When not folding laundry, she can be found reading, experimenting in the kitchen, keeping the family library, or snagging amazing antique furniture deals. She was a contributing author to Set a Fire. Find out more about her here.
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