Although All Saints Day is usually on November 1, because of this year’s liturgical calendar it will be  celebrated on Sunday, November 7. We will remember the saints who have filled our every day lives and some extraordinary ones.  We will honor the loved ones who have left this earthly dwelling.             

I would like to bring your attention to a woman who I have had the privilege of knowing. In the early 80’s, Theresa Tomasi and I came together for a joint effort to keep open the oldest maternity home in New England.  She had incredible credentials for this task having adopted children of her own and worked for years as the head of the Social Work Department at the local tertiary care hospital.

There are many things that I could write about Theresa, who at the age of 92, still has children living with her. This recent video and article will tell the story of Theresa as mother and advocate for children in a better way than I can.  Take a moment to watch, read and celebrate a modern day saint.

https://www.kidsvt.com/vermont/vermont-visionaries-theresa-tomasi-mother-of-27/Content?oid=6163764

Theresa would object to my description of her as a saint.  However, to me, Theresa Tomasi, single mother of 27 adopted children, is the epitome of sacrifice, endurance, patience and love-three characteristics of saintly behavior.  She models all that is good and kind. She is humble and grateful. She mirrors the compassion and unconditional love that Christ has for all of us. She inspires me to be a better person.  Isn’t that what saints do?

Always remember that God loves you unconditionally.

Terri