Gianna Beretta Molla
Italian physician and mother who died protecting her unborn child, witnessing to faith and sacrifice.
Patronage
mothers, physicians, unborn children, married women
Virtues & Traits
Biography
Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962) was an Italian pediatrician and married mother of three who exemplified holiness through everyday life. Born in Magenta, Italy, she earned her medical degree and practiced pediatrics with exceptional care and spiritual depth. She married engineer Pietro Molla in 1955 and embraced motherhood joyfully while continuing her medical practice. During her fourth pregnancy in 1961, she developed uterine cancer. Refusing both abortion and medical treatment that might harm her unborn child, Gianna chose to carry her daughter to term, undergoing only a necessary surgery. She delivered a healthy daughter but died days later from complications on April 28, 1962. Her witness to the sanctity of life and maternal sacrifice resonated globally, and she became the first physician-mother canonized in 1994, exemplifying holiness in the modern world.
Prayer
Prayer to Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
O Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, model of Christian virtue and devoted mother, we honor your heroic sacrifice and unwavering faith. You chose to give your life so that your unborn child might live, reflecting the love of Christ in the most profound way. We ask for your intercession as we strive to live with courage, compassion, and complete trust in God's providence. Help us to embrace the sanctity of life and to love as generously as you did. Saint Gianna, pray for us. Amen.
Generated by Find My Saint for personal reflection. Not an official Church prayer.