Gianna had a deep passion for motherhood and wanted to have many
children. Two weeks before their wedding, Gianna wrote this to
Pietro:
“With God’s help and blessing
we will do our best to make our new family
a little Cenacle where Jesus reigns over all our affections, desires, and
actions… There are only a few days to go and I feel moved at the thought
of approaching and receiving the “Sacrament of Love”. We will become
collaborators with God in His creation and so we will be able to give him
children that love and serve him".
Gianna plans were to raise her children in the same manner
that she was raised…the
upbringing of persuasion.
“She could never imagine a mother hitting her
child. We must be
able to teach them with persuasion and above all teach, very
early on that everything is a gift from God and it should be
respected as a gift.”
Just a little over a year after their marriage, Pietro and Gianna joyfully welcomed
their first son. Pierluigi was born on November 19, 1956 in their home and a
few days later Uncle Giuseppe baptized him. That summer, Gianna, Pietro and their
new son spent a great deal of time at a rented home in the mountains. They were
extremely happy taking long peaceful walks and watching their son grow.
On December 11, 1957, Maria Zita (Mariolina) was welcomed into the world.
She was born at home and Father Giuseppe baptized her just a few days later
in the parish church.
July 15, 1959 brought the third Molla child into the world,
Laura.
To thank God after the birth of each child, she took money from her savings
to give to the missions. The amount is equal to six months of a worker’s
salary.
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