Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian physician, wife, and mother who lived a life of deep Christian faith and charity. She balanced her medical career with a strong commitment to her family, serving both her patients and loved ones with generosity and compassion. During her fourth pregnancy, doctors discovered a serious medical condition that threatened her life. Although treatments were available that would have reduced the risk to her own health, they would also have endangered the life of her unborn child. Gianna chose to protect her child, entrusting herself to God’s providence. She gave birth successfully but died from complications shortly afterward in 1962. Her sacrifice has made her a powerful witness to the dignity of human life, maternal love, and self-giving charity.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla was canonized on May 16, 2004, by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square.
Patron of:
Mothers, Physicians, Unborn Children, Pro-Life Causes, and Families
Feast Day:
April 28
Illustration by: Colton Rompala