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Proverbs 31:15-18 Colossians 3:17
St. Gianna Beretta Molla- The Original Supermom
As a working mom, I often find myself running around like a crazy woman wondering how I’m going to get everything done, and wondering if my efforts amount to anything. I have a supportive husband and family who assure me that I’m doing a great job. Most days, that’s all I need.
On one occasion, however, during a rather difficult day, someone accused me of not raising my kids because I worked. At the time, I was pregnant with our second child and feeling particularly vulnerable, and was deeply hurt by the comment. Upset, I did what anyone would do, I posted to Facebook about it!
A devout friend of mine posted, “I don’t know how you do it all. St. Gianna, pray for us.” She has 6 children. I don’t know how she does it! That sweet sentiment and prayer lead me to look into St. Gianna’s life more. My heart was granted respite in her story. She was a working mom! I couldn’t believe it. Surely the Catholic Church wouldn’t bestow such an honor on a woman who abandoned her family for her work. It was then that I started to see value in my work outside of the home, and I also realized that my children aren’t any less loved because of it.
St. Gianna Molla’s story is unbelievable. She was a wife, a mother, and a pediatrician. She definitely had her work cut out for her. She gave birth to multiple children, while maintaining a successful medical practice (and raised them all quite well-ha!) Unfortunately, St. Gianna developed a fibroma on her uterus during her last pregnancy. Putting the life of her child before her own, as many mothers do each day, she opted to have the fibroma removed instead of terminating the pregnancy. She carried to term and died 7 days after she gave birth. She was beatified on April 24th 1994.
St. Gianna is the patron saint of mothers, unborn babies, and pediatricians. I like to think of her as a mom who could do it all. When I am at my wits end and I’m seriously beginning to doubt myself, I look to her. She kept the faith, she had a beautiful family, and was a terrific doctor on top of it all. She put Christ first and everything else fell into place. I have learned that I can put Christ into everything I do, even my work. My children will see the example I set for them. Do I wish I could be with them more? Absolutely. But, I’ve also been given an opportunity to show them what a strong, intelligent, devout woman can do at home, and at work.
Reflection 1: When life gets crazy, who do you depend on to help ground you?
Reflection 2: What part of her life intrigues you the most?
Act: We are taught all life, from conception to natural death is sacred. Tonight, ask St. Gianna to pray for the mothers and babies that are in your life. May they find peace and comfort in the Lord.
