The Archdiocese of Baltimore, in union with dioceses all over the nation, is engaging in a year-long initiative called “Walking with Moms in Need,” which supports parishes in identifying resources available to families in their pews and in their communities.  As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the sea of indifference.”  We encourage you to pray a special novena with us and Catholics across the country for moms in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. We ask for the intercession of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, a powerful patron for pregnant and all mothers, during this pandemic.  St. Gianna herself lived through a pandemic, the Spanish influenza, which took the lives of three of her siblings.  As a physician, wife, and mother, she knew intimately what it was like to struggle with a challenging medical diagnosis during pregnancy.  At www.walkingwithmoms.com, you can sign up to receive the novena intentions and prayers to pray with us each day.  We look forward to praying with you, and with St. Gianna, to support mothers in need, and for an end to COVID-19!