Serving the Body of Christ as a Pro-Life Home of Formation for Pregnant Women and their Children Fall ~ 2013 10th Anniversary Year On Saturday, August 17th, we “Saint Gianna was a modern began our 10 year anniversary woman. She was intelligent and celebrations here in Warsaw active; a physician. But far more with a Mass at Saint important than her professional Stanislaus. It truly was a great status was her state in life as a celebration of life and a day of wife and mother. She was a gratitude to God for all He has woman who knowingly risked done at Saint Gianna’s in these her life to protect the life of her past 10 years. We had many unborn child. She made a guests and visitors join us this choice to put her daughter’s life special day. We were espe- at least risk and hers at most cially blessed by the presence risk. She gave her life for her of our new bishop, Most Rever- daughter,” he said. end John Folda. Another hon- A Mission of Love ored guest was Janie Solarski, “All mothers are heroines,” said one of our initial board mem- Father Damian Hils, founder of bers who helped us start this the home, who returned from newsletter. Janie has since Kentucky to celebrate a Mass of moved to the Twin Cities, but Thanksgiving in Our Lady of the came back to be with us for Visitation Chapel August 16. this wonderful day. She wrote “There is always risk in preg- the following article for us. nancy and risk in giving birth. “Saint Gianna’s Maternity Mothers are heroines, they Home is truly a miracle of life are selfless and loving. We right here on the plains of Clergy, altar servers & staff gathered on Saint Gianna’s front steps after the opening celebration Mass at Saint Stanislaus on August 17th, 2013. (Photo by Haney’s Photography, Fargo.) must always protect their North Dakota,” said Fargo dignity and the sanctity of Bishop John T. Folda following his first visit to the home August 17. all human life.” “Words almost fail me. I was overwhelmed by its beauty.” When his vision for a maternity home in the nearly century-old Saint Bishop Folda came to celebrate the home’s 10-year anniversary Mass of Anthony Convent and boarding school aligned with co-founder and Thanksgiving. “It is a milestone that demonstrates the hand of God director Mary Pat Jahner’s desire to help pregnant women in need, the is truly with this life work and with the founders’ farsighted wisdom - a home came to life. It became a labor of love for them and countless wisdom that recognizes the value of every human life.” volunteers who donated time and talent to bring it to fruition. “The Pope John Paul II spoke of “the Gospel of Life” in a time when we live in home has been a wonderful journey of building the culture of life,” a “culture of death,” he reminded the congregation at St. Stanislaus Cath- he said. olic Church. “The brilliant light of Christ shines through Jesus who offers As visitors toured the chapel, Father Hils recalled stories of its many life and light to any who will turn to him, no matter their state in life. And features, including the Shrine to Saint Gerard in the rear of the chapel. It there’s no better place to look for the Gospel of Life than at Saint houses a first-class relic of the saint and serves mothers who seek his Gianna’s Home. Through its mission, it lives the Gospel. You can feel it intercession. in the very air you breathe as you enter this life-giving home, a “Many infertile couples who were told they could not have children have home not only for mothers and children, but also families who wish conceived through the intercession of Saint Gerard,” he said. “Miracles to give love and welcome children into their home.” have happened.” Gianna Beretta Molla, the Italian pediatrician who was canonized a saint About 650 people gathered on the warm August day to celebrate the in 2004, is the perfect patron for the home, Bishop Folda said. Continued on next page... ...continued from front page home’s success and its presence in the Warsaw communi- ty. Many recalled the words of the late Bryan Grabanski, a board member and volunteer who had given tirelessly to help renovate the home and assist in its early years. “He always said, ‘If one baby is born—if one baby is saved from abortion—it’s all worth it,’” Mary Pat Jahner told those gathered for an afternoon anniversary program in the church. Saint Gianna’s Bryan would go on to hold the first child born to a resident of the home at her baptism. Geianna, now 9, is one of 84 Maternity Home children born to women living there the past 10 years. Serving the Body of Christ as a Pro-Life Home of Formation “Saint Gianna’s is a good place for moms and for babies,” for Pregnant Women and their Children Geianna told the audience. She spent her first year of life Geianna Meade Volume 12, Number 4 there and now lives close by, visiting often to help with the Fall - 2013 younger children. “Lots of people helped to make the Gianna Home. I want Spiritual Director/Chaplain to thank you all for giving a home to a lot of children. And Father Joseph Christensen, FMI one of those children is me,” she said proudly. Director Grateful Hearts Mary Pat Jahner Expressions of gratitude came from all who followed Board of Directors Geianna to the podium to speak, including some of the Colleen Samson ~ President young heroines who found love and support in the home’s Eleri Kerian ~ Vice President Jourdan and daughter Nora Joan Schanilec ~ Secretary safe and secure environment. Dolores Grabanski Jourdan had arrived at the home shortly after reconsider- Robbyne Sands ing her choice to have an abortion. “I was scared and Jackie Shaft confused. I didn’t know what to do,” Jourdan said. Advisory Board With the support of Mary Pat, the housemothers, and Bishop John T. Folda many benefactors, it became clear. The following spring Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila she gave birth to her daughter Lenora (Nora), and now she Monsignor Gregory Schlesselmann wished to share her story in the hopes it would help to Todd Burianek save another child like Nora. Jed Carlson Julia came to Saint Gianna’s after finding herself in a Jan George similar situation. “If not for the home, I would not have David Hauff my son (Joseph) today,” Julia said. “It’s because of Julia with son Joseph Scott Hennen you and what you offer—a safe place to start a new Mike Hofer Terry McKenna chapter in our lives.” Grant Shaft The tears of joy that flowed for these young women and Founder children continued when a grateful grandmother shared Father Damian J. Hils her story of the wonderful gift bestowed upon her son and daughter-in-law. Joe and Tiffany had struggled with Staff Rebecca Hartman - Housemother infertility and finally turned to adoption, praying to Saint Lori Seiwert - Housemother Gianna for her intercession. Briana Wilhelmi - Housemother “Mary Pat assured us that Saint Gianna always answers Susan Barclay - Office Manager Renee and Leslie Wayne Gudajtes - Property Manager prayers,” said Renee Johnson, Joe’s mother. She fought back tears as she recalled many unusual and eventful “miracles” that ensued while they waited to Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home adopt. As she struggled to keep her composure, a young woman arose from the audience, 15605 County Road 15, Minto, ND 58261-9476 walked to her side, and placed her arm around her for support. (701) 248-3077 toll free 1-877-701-3077 It was Leslie, who had recently given her son (Isaac) to Joe and Tiffany to adopt. www.saintgiannahome.com [email protected] “Leslie gave him life and love,” said Isaac’s grandmother, “and a father and a mother.” An IRS 501© 3 nonprofit organization 2 Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home Selfless Gifts That selfless gift is among many beautiful memories Jessica Wasko will carry in her heart when she returns back home to Florida after serving 3 years as a housemother. (See Jessica’s complete speech on page 4.) Humility, said board president Colleen Samson, “is one of the greatest things I’ve learned. When we hear the difficult stories of the women who come through the door and what they have to face, it is truly humbling,” said Colleen, who works closely with residents. “Many residents consider their stay the happiest time in their life.” Father Joseph Christensen, spiritual director of the home, says he has been a witness to a “pouring out of love and sacrifice.” Mary Pat, the staff, board members, and the many volunteers “are prayerful, loving, Colleen Samson sacrificial, joyful, and very normal—they bring humor, joy, love, and the love of Christ to the home and its residents.” “But all of you are the home,” he told the many supporters gathered in the church. “You make it happen through your prayers and donations. We are a culture of life, a people of life. Thanks to you and all you have done, we are saving one mother, one baby, one family at a time.” ~Janie Solarski 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. Polish National Alliance Dancers perform in the afternoon. 2. Guests (including Bishop Folda and Father Joseph) enjoy the perfor- mance of the PNA dancers.