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Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Receives Her First Holy Communion - April 4, 1928.
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Gianna’s eldest sixteen-year old sister, Amalia, had been instructed by her mother, Maria, to begin educating Gianna in preparation for her First Holy Communion when she was five years old. Gianna was so excited as she loved her sister, Amalia, and treasured the time they were able to spend together each and every day for her private lesson.
Amalia explained about the Holy Eucharist and how receiving the Holy Communion was like a special visit from Jesus to Gianna. Gianna loved the way Amalia used stories to instruct Gianna, and she complimented her sister at the end of one of their lessons, “You are a good teacher, Amalia!” Amalia replied, “I am glad that you approve of me.”
For six months these lessons instructed Gianna on her Catholic Faith. Toward the end of the six months, Gianna had a special request for Amalia. “Amalia, can we go down to the church for a Communion class? I want to ask you about the altar and the special house that Jesus lives in. And I want to know how the little white hosts are made. And please tell me about the Stations of the Cross and all the statues, and especially the one of Mother Mary.”
Amalia replied, “Yes, we can go to church and talk about all of those things. I’ll teach you how to go to Penance, too.”
Gianna was becoming more and more excited about receiving her First Holy Communion. Although, she was only five-and-a-half-years old, she was included in the First Holy Communion class. Her pastor stated, “I believe that your little student is ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. I have no doubts that she understands what a great gift the Eucharist is. You’ve done an excellent job instructing her, Amalia!”
At last, the big day came, and on Wednesday, April 4, 1928, in the Santa Grata Parish, the whole Beretta family gathered for the happy occasion. Gianna looked radiant in her white dress, adorned with a small gold cross. Wearing a long veil capped by a crown of white flowers, Gianna knelt at the altar rail to receive Jesus for the very first time (see picture below). Gianna spoke heart-to-heart to Jesus. She had so many things to tell him, but most importantly, was that she loved Him.
After mass, the Beretta Family had a photograph taken to commemorate the occasion. She was told to look serious and prayerful about receiving Jesus. Afterwards, she thought, “Maybe I should have smiled at the camera to show how happy I really am.” But then thought, “It’s alright, because Jesus knows everything. He came to visit me, and he will come again. We are very close.”
After her First Holy Communion, Gianna accompanied her Mother, Father, brothers and sisters every morning to mass.
Two years later, on Monday, June 9, 1930, seven-year old Gianna received her Confirmation at the Cathedral in Bergamo, dedicated to Saint Alexander of Bergamo, patron saint of the city. At that time, it was not unusual for children to be confirmed at so young of an age.
Gianna’s devotion and love of her Catholic Faith was very evident, and her trust in God guided every decision that she made. This is how she found the strength to place her unborn baby’s life before her own. Faced with the most difficult choice of her life, Gianna did what she always had done—trusted God in everything.
Prayer:
Saint Gianna, you’ve taught us—not only with words, but through your example—some very important truths. One is that God wants all our families to be centers of love. Remind me that the love and understanding I practice in my own family can help to make the world a better place.
You’ve also shown us that every unborn baby is a precious and unrepeatable gift of God whose life should never be taken away. Saint Gianna, ask God that all people may come to understand and believe this. Remind me to pray every day for an end to abortion. I want to do what I can to respect and to protect the life of each and every person, because every human being has been created by God in His Own Image.
Saint Gianna, you loved life. You knew it was a great gift. Help me to know what God wishes me to do with my life; to spend it well and for the good of others, just as you did. You found joy by trusting God in everything. Help me to do the same. Please pray for me.
AMEN.
May God Bless You and Your Loved Ones!
The Board of Directors for
The Society of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
Check out our website at: http://saintgianna.org/
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| This is the Cathedral of Bergamo located in Bergamo, Italy where Saint Gianna on Saturday, April 14, 1928 received her First Holy Communion.
The Beretta family was in attendance as Gianna knelt at the altar rail, dressed in her white dress and long veil surrounded by a crown of white flowers.
Gianna received Jesus every morning at mass from that day forward. Her devotion and love of Jesus was paramount throughout her life. She trust God in everything! |
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