Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was born in Italy in 1922. She dedicated her life to serving others as a pediatrician. She is remembered for her selfless love as a mother and Christian for choosing to save the life of her fourth child at the loss of her own life. She was also as a youth remembered for her devotion to Jesus and her commitment to serving others. She was an inspiration and example to others her age and brought others to know and love Jesus.
Despite being diagnosed with a fibroid tumor that posed a serious threat to her health, Gianna refused to terminate her pregnancy or undergo a hysterectomy that would have saved her life but would have resulted in the loss of her unborn child. She believed that every life was a precious gift from God, and she was willing to sacrifice her own to protect that life.
She was canonized in 2004 by Pope John Paul II, she is celebrated by Catholics as the Patron Saint of Mothers, families, and unborn children.
Two Miracles were attributed to her prior to her canonization.
First Miracle– a young girl diagnosed with a brain tumor was healed after prayers were offered to Saint Gianna Beretta Molla. The tumor disappeared much to the amazement of her doctors.
Second Miracle – A baby was born with a congenital heart defect, the infant’s condition was deemed critical by her doctors. Her family and friends offered prayers in the name of Saint Gianna Beretta and again the defect disappeared miraculously. Both these miracles thoroughly prior to her canonization.
She died on April 28th, 1962 and her feast day is observed on her date of death.
Some sources for further reading
- The Vatican: https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20040516_beretta-molla_en.html
- Catholic Online: https://saintgianna.org/catholic.htm
- Franciscan Media: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Beretta_Molla
Paper back on her life from Amazon Saint Gianna Her Life of Joy and Heroic Sacrifice: Giuliana Pelucchi: 9780819891204: Amazon.com: Books
Paperback Novena prayers from Amazon St. Gianna Beretta Molla novena her faith and love for family: St. Gianna Beretta Molla novena the Catholic prayer book: Ainsley, Angelina: 9798867083090: Amazon.com: Books