St. Gianna’s sacrifice of risking her life for the health of her unborn child has inspired, and, in some cases, confounded those who hear her story. Yet almost all can agree that it was an extraordinary act of love. St. Gianna’s husband, Pietro, maintained that Gianna did not sacrifice her life from a desire to attain heaven, but simply “because she was a mother.” All mothers are capable of extraordinary acts of self-giving love, although these acts may take different forms. Mothers deserve our gratitude for the sacrifices they make in order to give and to sustain life. Today, we pray with thankfulness for all mothers.

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Let us pray:

 

O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.

 

Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.

 

Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen.

 

(Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be)