In late October, 2017, the home parish of Papal Artifact’s Curator, Father Richard Kunst, had the distinct honor and privilege to host Dr. Gianna Molla for a series of presentations given to the parish’s middle school children, a private dinner and a very large crowd of people who came from all over the diocese to hear her speak.
We are grateful her presentation was recorded, so that we can share this incredible woman with all of you.
And, of course, her, “Saint Mom & Holy Dad.”
Please visit Papal History/Saints & Blesseds/St. Gianna Molla for more information about the 20th century saint and her gracious daughter.
Father Matthew Miller on the Life of Mallory Norrell
In mid September, 2024, Fr. Miller gave a Sunday homily in which he reflected upon the heaviness that was affecting our school community due to a number of very serious health concerns being endured by several people, including the death of a student’s mother, several serious cancer diagnosis and a student’s bike accident which caused major complications.
Father Miller began by asking what’s happening and why is it happening–and to ask this question of God. He concludes his reflections by turning to Jesus who knows so well our own and his own suffering.
At the 7:45 minute mark, Fr. Miller relates the story of a young woman, a teenager in his diocese who is so filled with love for God, and she receives a diagnosis of brain cancer. Fr. Miller enfleshes Mallory Norrell with snippets from her diary as well as memories of her demeanor while dying.
At this very time Dr. Gianna Molla was in Duluth to give a talk at Fr. Kunst’s home parish, which is detailed at the beginning of this post. He asked her to visit Mallory in the hospital, which she did, bringing Mallory a relic of her sainted mother. This action was a comfort to her and to her parents.
Father Kunst baptized Mallory 16 years earlier and was with her (as well as Bishop Paul Sirba and other priests) when she died just a week after this encounter with Dr. Molla.
We thank both these priests for introducing us to Mallory once again.
May you rest in peace, Mallory. And thank you for showing us your love for our Lord and your trust in him.
Here is a link to the Diocese of Duluth’s information about Mallory:
The Link to Papal History/Saints & Blesseds/St. Gianna Molla
http://www.papalartifacts.local/portfolio-item/st-gianna-beretta-molla/