St. Gianna Beretta Molla (Feast Day April 28)

October 4, 1922 – April 28, 1962

St. Gianna was a faithful pediatrician from Italy and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She had three children at home and was pregnant again in 1961 when she developed a tumor in the same place she was carrying the baby. St. Gianna allowed the surgeons to remove the tumor but not perform the complete hysterectomy they recommended, which would have killed the child. She chose to preserve her child’s life, showing she was willing to give her own life to save her baby. St. Gianna passed away a week after giving birth to her daughter. When she was canonized a saint, her husband and children were there, which marked the first time a husband was present for his wife’s canonization. She is the patron saint of mothers, unborn children, and physicians. 

·      What is it like to be loved by God?

·      Which of the 10 commandments is most challenging to you?

·      In today’s Gospel, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will come, but that the world doesn’t know him yet and can’t see him. Is that still the case today? Why or why not?

·      In what way does St. Gianna remind you of Jesus?  

Fun Activities with Mom

Take your mom, grandma, or godmother on a scavenger hunt that leads to her favorite places (i.e., church, a coffee shop, a café for lunch, or a spot in the park). At each location, she gets a note, drawing, or letter from a different member of the family telling her how much they love her. The kids get involved by making something for mom and getting to surprise her with these notes. Plus, the whole family gets to go on an adventure too!

Alternatively, create a family “photo booth” picture session. Set up an area for the photo session. Create a background with sheets and tablecloths or use a blank wall. Have each family member collect items to contribute for people to wear, hold, or use in their pictures. People can take photos on their phones or with their cameras. Be sure to share them with others and on social media using #52Sundays. The photos can be goofy, silly, or serious. If you have a wireless printer, get some photo paper and use an app, like Pic Stitch, to print out pictures that look like they came from an authentic photo booth. You can also frame the pictures to remember your fun day! 

S’mores

One image of the Holy Spirit is fire, so why not make a sweet dessert over a flame? 

Put a large marshmallow on a metal skewer and hold it over a heated flame. You can use a fire pit, a grill, or even a gas burner on your stove. Parents may need to do this step! Be sure to follow fire-safety precautions with the flame. Once the marshmallow is cooked enough for your liking, put it between two graham crackers to make a sandwich. You can also add other pieces of candy to the sandwich! Get as creative as you want! 

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Creator Spirit, Come and bless us with your heavenly grace.

You are called by the names of Paraclete, Gift of God Most High, Spring of Life, Fire, Love, and the Soul’s Anointing. You are the finger of the Father’s right hand. You are the clear promise of the Father. Give our human tongues the grace of inspired speech. Kindle your Light in our minds, pour Your Love into our hearts, and uphold with Your Unfailing Strength the frailty of our human nature. Drive our enemy far from us and give us your gift of peace. Ever guiding us, may we be always the stewards of Your Love.

Grant that through You, Most Holy Spirit, we may know the Father and the Son, and our faith professing, God Three in One. Holy Spirit of Love, teach us that stewardship is the disciple’s response. Amen.

Adapted from the International Catholic Stewardship Council 2006 Conference Prayer

A common symbol for the Holy Spirit is a dove. Look around your church today to see if you can find an image of a dove.

St. Gianna was a doctor. Send a card to your family doctors to let them know your gratitude for their care for your family.

Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914.