St. Gianna Beretta Molla
Patroness of Mothers and the Unborn
Feast Day: April 28
Biography
St. Gianna Beretta Molla (1922–1962) was an Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother who lived the ordinary vocations of marriage and motherhood with extraordinary holiness. Born into a large, devout family near Milan, she became a physician specializing in pediatrics. She married Pietro Molla in 1955, and they had three children. During her fourth pregnancy in 1961, she was diagnosed with a fibroma of the uterus. She was presented with three medical options: a complete hysterectomy (which would save her life but kill the baby), removal of the fibroma along with the baby, or removal of the fibroma alone (preserving the baby's life but placing her own at significant risk). Without hesitation, she chose the third option, telling her doctors: 'If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate — choose the child.' Her daughter Gianna Emanuela was born healthy on April 21, 1962. Seven days later, on April 28, Gianna died of septic peritonitis at the age of thirty-nine. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 16, 2004. In an unprecedented moment, her husband Pietro and their children — including Gianna Emanuela, the daughter for whom she gave her life — were present at the canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
O God, who in St. Gianna Beretta Molla gave us a shining example of generous love for family and for life, grant through her intercession that we may serve Your holy will with the same joyful dedication she showed in her vocation as a wife, mother, and physician. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Gianna Beretta Molla, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Gianna Beretta Molla, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.