FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 7, 2014
Little Sisters of the Poor to Host Mother’s Day Celebration
on Saturday, May 3 with Mass Followed by a Presentation
by the Society of St. Gianna Beretta Molla
Free event will include opportunities for the community to venerate the relics of St. Gianna who is a patron saint for mothers, physicians, and unborn children as well as a powerful intercessor for couples experiencing infertility
SCRANTON, PA – The Little Sisters of the Poor will host a special Mother’s Day celebration with Mass followed by a presentation by the Society of St. Gianna Beretta Molla on Saturday, May 3 in the chapel of Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton. St. Gianna is revered by the Catholic Church as a patron saint for mothers, physicians, and unborn children as well as a powerful intercessor for couples experiencing infertility.
Mass will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a presentation by Mr. Robert White, president of the Society of St. Gianna Beretta Molla. The presentation will include information about Saint Gianna’s commitment to being a doctor, wife, and mother as well as her refusal to abort her fourth child despite knowing that continuing with the pregnancy could result in her own death which did occur in 1962 at age 39. Mr. White will also speak about the miracles attributed to St. Gianna’s intercession after her death which led to her canonization 10 years ago.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to venerate St. Gianna’s relics which were given to the society by Gianna’s husband, Pietro, who died in 2010. Mr. Molla requested that the faithful be permitted to physically pick up and touch the saint’s gloves which many women, particularly those longing to conceive a child, have placed on their womb and prayed for her intercession. Attendees are also encouraged to touch any religious articles that they may have with them to the gloves, such as rosaries, miraculous medals, crucifixes, and wedding bands. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. This event is free and open to the public.
The Little Sisters, who have been serving the elderly poor in Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1908, work closely with staff, volunteers, and benefactors in creating a family spirit for the Residents entrusted to their care. They welcome the elderly who have limited funds and provide for their needs so they can live their last years in an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and love.
