Saint's daughter helps launch new miscarriage ministry

By Marcy Knight - Florida Catholic

Photography: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC

MIAMI | Nearly two decades ago, on May 16, 2004, Pope John Paul II declared Gianna Beretta Molla a saint in St. Peter's Square. Present at the event were her husband, Pietro Molla, and their surviving children.

Fast forward to Oct. 15, 2023, at St. Mary Cathedral, where Gianna Emanuela, their daughter, took part in a Mass that marked the launch of a new ministry, whose goal is to give support and information to couples who have suffered the loss of a baby.

The St. Gianna and Pietro Molla Miscarriage Ministry is named after her parents, two individuals who embodied unwavering faith and love. The ministry's launch coincided with National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Oct. 15. According to Harvard Medical School, approximately 15% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Gianna Emanuela made a special journey from Italy to be present. She sat in the front pew with Marcela Villegas, who coordinates the ministry for the Respect Life Office. She hosted Gianna during her stay in the United States. Together, they presented the offertory gifts for the Mass.

Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Delgado presided at the Mass and delivered a homily emphasizing the importance of the new ministry and its connection to National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Even before the Mass, parishioners came together to recite the rosary, creating a reverent atmosphere. Children in their Sunday best took turns leading different parts of the rosary.

After the Mass, Gianna Emanuela spoke at the lectern. In her broken English, she said, “I am deeply grateful to your Excellency, Bishop Delgado, the Respect Life Ministry, and the Archdiocese of Miami for inviting me to be here with you today. It is a great joy and honor for me, a gift from God, to be able to be with you and the faithful on this most blessed occasion of the beginning of the very important St. Gianna and Pietro Molla Miscarriage Ministry.”

She also shared her parents’ story, spoke about their challenges as they experienced two miscarriages, and their unyielding faith.

In 1956, St. Gianna and Pietro Molla became parents the first time with the birth of Pierluigi. The following year, they welcomed Maria Zita, followed by Laura in 1959. The couple also experienced the sorrow of two miscarriages. In 1961, Gianna became pregnant again but faced a difficult choice. She had a fibroma in her uterus, and the doctors presented three options: abortion to save her life, a hysterectomy that would also end her unborn child's life, or removal of the fibroma, which carried risks. She chose the latter, opting to risk her life to save her child's.

She famously said, "If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate; choose the child. I insist on it. Save the baby."

Gianna Emanuela Molla was born on April 21, 1962. Her mother died a week later due to complications.

“I know that many of you have suffered miscarriages, and I am so very sorry for you. My mom and my dad accepted these sufferings, but it was not easy,” Gianna said. “Throughout their lives, they always accepted God’s holy will, even when it is very difficult to accept, even when it was not immediately understandable. They always recognized that God’s plan was the best plan.”

Following the Mass, Gianna met with parishioners outside the church. Many women shared their own experiences with miscarriages. Gianna held their hands, listened to their stories, hugged them, and gave them hope by asking them to focus on God and his eternal love. People waited patiently to spend just a few moments with her.

Her parting message was simple yet powerful: "Continue to pray fervently, trusting completely in him and in his infinite love for us.

For more information on the St. Gianna and Pietro Molla Miscarriage Ministry, contact [email protected] or go tomiamiarch.org/respectlife.