Former Disney Star & Wife Welcome Baby After 3 Miscarriages, Says Pope Francis Predicted Baby
We always love “Where are they now?” child actor (or actress) stories — especially when those stories serve up so much inspiration.
If you weren’t part of the generation who grew up watching Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, chances are you knew a kid who did.
David Henrie, who played Justin Russo on the popular series which aired from 2007 to 2012, has grown up since his magical days on set with Selena Gomez.
In 2017, Henrie married the woman he calls his “best friend.”
“In order to even be at a place where we could marry, we had to fight for it,” Henrie shared of his wife Maria on their 1 year anniversary in 2018.
Their relationship isn’t the only thing this sweet couple fought for. The pair also struggled when it came to growing their family.
“My wife and I went through trials,” Henrie wrote on Instagram. “I felt compelled to share this because I had no clue just how difficult trying to start a family could be.”
“Maria and I suffered three miscarriages before finally being able to carry Pia to full term,” Henrie explained as he and Maria celebrated the birth of their newborn daughter.
“While it was insanely difficult recovering from miscarriage after miscarriage,” he went on, “we knew if we were ever going to be able to hold a baby of our own in our arms that we must not let the tragedy affect our marriage, but rather grow closer together!”
In the end, Henrie said it was a prayer from someone very important that helped the miracle along. “We stayed faithful to that conviction and had a little help from @franciscus.”
As it turns out, Pia Philomena Francesca Henrie gets her middle name from Pope Francis, who Henrie says “said a special blessing” for him and his wife after he asked the pope to pray that they would have a child.
We are so in love with this sweet family and so happy to see their prayers answered. Henrie also gave a possible clue as to why Pia was given her first name as well.
“For all those who are struggling, #pray #hope and #dontworry !!” he wrote, which just so happens to be a famous quote from none other than St. “Padre” Pio of Pietrelcina.
This little girl clearly is loved and blessed. We wish the Henrie family all the best as they grow together in faith, prayer, and love.
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