Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois expressed deep disappointment as he shared the news that the Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla International Center for Family and Life and the Shrine Church of Saint Gianna will not be coming to Springfield, Illinois, as originally planned. The decision was made by the Board of Directors of the Saint Gianna Beretta Molla and Pietro Molla Foundation.

“It was with deep disappointment that I recently received the news that and the Board of Directors of the Saint Gianna Beretta Molla and Pietro Molla Foundation have decided not to locate the Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla International Center for Family and Life and the Shrine Church of Saint Gianna in Springfield, Illinois, as she had previously announced,” Bishop Paprocki said. “I pray that Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla will find a location that she deems more suitable for her needs.”

The center was originally planned to be situated near the grounds of Corpus Christi Priory on Springfield’s northeast side. Despite this change in plans, the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey of Orange, Calif., continue their work at the Evermode Institute, which offers a comprehensive curriculum in the fundamentals of the Catholic faith. The institute has been well-received by Catholic teachers, administrators, and formators in the diocese and beyond.

For those interested in participating in liturgies and prayers, the Norbertine Fathers welcome all to join them at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Springfield. Mass is held at 7 a.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday, with confessions available on select days. The church provides a welcoming space for individuals to engage in spiritual practices and join the community in prayer.