Holy Family
7 Pillars of Holy Family
A truly inspiring saint!
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962) was an Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother of four. She is a modern-day saint who exemplifies the values of faith, family, and selflessness.
Gianna was born in Magenta, Italy, and grew up in a devout Catholic family. She studied medicine and became a pediatrician, dedicating her life to caring for children.
In 1955, Gianna married Pietro Molla, and they had four children together. During her fourth pregnancy, Gianna developed a fibroma in her uterus. Doctors recommended an abortion to save her life, but Gianna refused, saying, "If you must save one, save my baby." Gianna gave birth to a healthy daughter, Gianna Emanuela, but suffered complications and died a week later, on April 28, 1962.
Gianna was beatified in 1994 and canonized a saint on May 16, 2004, by Pope John Paul II. She is the patron saint of mothers, families, and unborn children.
1. Listening to God's Word
Both Mary and Joseph listened to God's word and responded faithfully. Jesus teaches, Mary's response to the angel, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), demonstrates her humility and willingness to listen and obey. When angel said to St. Joseph, take the child to Egypt..., (Matthew 1:20-24) he woke up took mother and child. His listening to God’s word his courage and willingness to protect them. Listening and following should be center to Christian life.
Matthew 7:24
"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds their house on solid rock."
2. Letting God's Will
Jesus says, "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother" (Mark 3:35). Mary and Joseph's responses to God's plan show their commitment to doing His will. Mary and Joseph, despite initial doubts, obeyed God's instructions through the angel.
3. Leading God's Way
Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Mary and Joseph walked in God's way, trusting in His plan. Their accompaniment to Jesus from childhood to death indicates that they chose God’s way not their personal means.
4. Looking for Jesus
Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus, not just as their son, but as their God. When Jesus was lost in the temple, Mary and Joseph's anxiety reflects their deep love and reverence for Him (Luke 2:41-52). Jesus teaches, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).
5. Living Virtuous Lives
Mary's virginity (Luke 1:26-38) and Joseph's righteousness (Matthew 1:19) demonstrate their commitment to living virtuous lives. Their example encourages us to strive for holiness and purity.
6. Longing for Divine Inspiration
Mary's encounter with the angel (Luke 1:26-38) and Joseph's dreams (Matthew 1:20-24, 2:13-15, 2:19-23) show that their lives were guided by divine inspiration, rather than mere cultural practices.
7. Learning Spiritual Parenting
"My house is a house of prayer" is a reference to Isaiah 56:7, where God says, "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." Mary and Joseph played a crucial role in Jesus' growth and development. Luke 2:52 says, "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."
As we reflect on the Holy Family, may we remember that missing God is indeed missing life, for Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Fr. Raja MSFS