LACKAWANNA — OLV Charities, the mission support partner of Father Nelson Baker’s charitable works, will become the new organizational sponsor of the activities and locations of the St. Gianna Molla Pregnancy Outreach Centers in Western New York beginning this month.
The centers will be renamed the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Centers – An OLV Ministry.
Inspired by the life and compassion of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, the centers are a faith-based ministry established to uphold the value and sanctity of human life by aiding pregnant women, new mothers, new fathers, and families in need through material, emotional and spiritual support.
The work of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach ministry – much of which has been grassroots, and volunteer led – has undertaken vital, life-affirming work for thousands of families and individuals for the past 15 years as pastoral outreach of the Office of Pro-Life Ministry of the Diocese of Buffalo under the leadership of recently retired Cheryl Calire. The mission of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach ministry in Western New York aligns closely with the legacy of Father Nelson Baker and OLV Charities’ strategic plan, particularly in the shared commitment of serving vulnerable populations.
“The Diocese of Buffalo through its protracted Chapter 11 reorganization did not want to diminish the focus, or resources, of this vital ministry so it sought out the support and partnership of OLV Charities to transition the oversight of St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach to ensure its important work in Western New York,” explained Bishop Michael W. Fisher.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian pediatrician and a devout Catholic best known for her unwavering faith. During her fourth pregnancy in 1961, Gianna was diagnosed with a fibroma in her uterus. She had three options: abortion, a complete hysterectomy, or removal of only the fibroma. Understanding the risks, she chose the third option, prioritizing the life of her unborn child. Gianna gave birth to a healthy daughter, Gianna Emanuela, on April 21, 1962, but she died a week later. Gianna was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1994 and canonized as a saint on May 16, 2004. She is the patron saint of mothers, physicians and unborn children. Her feast day is celebrated on April 28 – the anniversary of her death.
The ministry will be led by Sarah Lindstrom, director, and supported by Miriam Escalante, coordinator. Their efforts are aided by a group of approximately 50 volunteers. There are eight locations in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Lackawanna, Niagara Falls, Olean, Fredonia, Perry and Holley.
Father Baker devoted his life to helping the young, poor, orphaned, and marginalized. His “City of Charity” included orphanages, a hospital, and homes for those in need.
“Much like St. Gianna, Father Baker was a champion of hundreds of thousands of families, mothers, and youth all across Western New York,” said David Kersten, CEO, OLV Charities. “It is a privilege to align the efforts of the Gianna Centers with OLV as the work of the ministry reconnects our organization to an impactful part of Father Baker’s saintly works.”
For more information, visit www.stgiannaoutreach.org.