Mothers receiving baby clothing packages through the St. Martha’s Project, a Catholic Community Services program, are also receiving a small book designed to provide encouragement and spiritual support. The initiative includes the book El pequeño camino de la confianza: Una historia de Santa Teresa within packages containing newborn essentials such as diapers, clothing, and blankets.
The book tells the story of Saint Therese of Lisieux, a French Carmelite nun known for her practice of living with love and trust in God. It features illustrations and is written in simple language suitable for children.
This inclusion of literature resulted from the generosity of Rebecca Webb, the marketing director of the Saint Symphorien Institute. According to a press release from the institute, its mission is to present the French heritage to Catholics to deepen faith and encourage the recovery of culture for Christ through books, lectures, and pilgrimages.
Webb contacted Crystal Painter, director of the Diocese of Salt Lake City's Office of Marriage and Family and the Respect for Life Commission, regarding the opportunity to distribute books to women with unplanned pregnancies. Webb noted that some donors had purchased the books specifically to be included with baby layettes.
The St. Martha’s Project was recently transferred from the diocese's Family Life Office to Catholic Community Services. Following the initiative, Painter coordinated with Carlene Fullmer, president of the San Martín de Porres Respect for Life Ministry, and Courtney Schriever of Catholic Community Services to facilitate the distribution.
Webb provided two boxes of books to Painter, who distributed them between San Martín de Porres and Catholic Community Services.
Painter stated that the book offers a simple lesson of trust through the childhood of Saint Therese of Lisieux. She noted that the story of learning to trust despite fear serves as a gift for women facing unplanned pregnancies and a story for children to share.
The distribution of these books is part of the Saint Symphorien Institute's spiritual adoption initiative. According to a press release, this initiative encourages individuals and groups to spiritually adopt others through prayers, masses, or holy hours to foster connection and responsibility toward others, emphasizing the dignity of every human life.
