A tapestry depicting St. Gianna Beretta Molla hung from the front of St. Peter’s Basilica during her 2004 canonization Mass. Pope John Paul II created six new saints, including Molla, an Italian laywoman and physician referred to as the pro-life saint. CNS photo by Daniele Colarieti

ATLANTA—During the weekend of Oct. 12-13, Holy Spirit Church in Atlanta will have relics of St. Gianna Beretta Molla available for veneration after each Mass.

St. Gianna was a wife, mother and pediatrician in Italy. She caught the attention of the church in Italy when she refused to terminate her pregnancy to save her life after developing a uterine tumor. She gave birth to the baby and died several days later. It was this courageous act that led to an in-depth study of how Gianna lived her life in service of God, her family and her patients. This 20th century “working mom” was canonized in May 2004 by Pope John Paul II.The relics, which are gloves belonging to St. Gianna, will be at the church for veneration. In addition, Robert White, president of the Society of St. Gianna Molla, will speak briefly at all of the Masses.

Medals and books about St. Gianna’s life will be on sale and donations to the Society of St. Gianna will be accepted.

Holy Spirit Church is located at 4465 Northside Drive in Atlanta. The Mass schedule is 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass in the church Oct. 12 and, on Oct. 13, 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses in St. Mary’s Chapel and 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Masses in the church.

For more information on the society and its work to promote holiness among families, visit www.saintgianna.org. Other questions may be directed to Kim Schulman at kschulman@hsccatl.com.