Saint Gianna Beretta Molla

Biography

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, also known as Gianna Beretta or Gianna Molla, was born on October 4, 1922, in Magenta, Milan, Italy. She was the tenth of thirteen children born to Alberto and Maria Beretta, and she grew up in a pious family. Her upbringing greatly influenced her own faith and devotion to God. From a young age, Gianna showed a deep piety and love for God. One of her sisters became a nun, and two of her brothers, including Enrico Beretta, followed a calling to the priesthood. This strong spiritual foundation nurtured Gianna's own vocation and shaped her future path. While attending college, Gianna actively worked with the poor and elderly, showing great compassion and love for those in need. She joined the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, furthering her commitment to serving others. In 1949, Gianna graduated from the University of Pavia as a physician and surgeon. With her medical degree in hand, she founded a clinic in Mero, Italy, in 1950. Her relentless dedication to her patients, especially mothers, babies, the elderly, and the poor, earned her a reputation for treating medicine as a mission and a gift from God. Gianna was also an active member of Catholic Action, a lay organization that promotes living out one's faith in daily life. Additionally, she enjoyed skiing and often took part in this activity as a way to relax and find solace in the beauty of nature. Although she had considered a religious vocation, Gianna ultimately married Pietro Molla on September 24, 1955, in Magenta. Together, they embraced the sacrament of marriage and entered into a loving partnership. Their union was blessed with the gift of three children. Even as a wife and mother, Gianna continued her medical career and tirelessly used her expertise to heal and comfort those entrusted to her care. During her fourth pregnancy, however, she faced a life-threatening situation when she was diagnosed with a large ovarian cyst. Her surgeon recommended an abortion as a means to save her own life, but Gianna made the courageous decision to refuse the procedure. Instead, she chose to prioritize the life of her unborn child over her own. On April 28, 1962, just a week after giving birth to her fourth child, Gianna sadly passed away at the Monza Maternity Hospital in Monza, Italy, due to complications arising from the ovarian cyst. Her selflessness and deep love for life became the ultimate testament to her faith and values. The child Gianna carried with such devotion grew up to become a physician herself and became involved in the pro-life movement. This miraculous outcome became the basis for the canonization miracle of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was venerated on July 6, 1991, by Pope John Paul II. On April 24, 1994, she was beatified by the same pontiff in Rome, Italy. Her elevation to sainthood followed on May 16, 2004, when Pope John Paul II canonized her. Today, Saint Gianna Beretta Molla is revered as a patron saint against abortion, as well as a guardian and intercessor for mothers, pregnant women, and unborn children. She is also honored as the patron saint of the World Meeting of Families in 2015, highlighting her deep love and dedication to the sanctity of family life. Her humble and sacrificial journey continues to inspire countless individuals, encouraging them to embrace a life rooted in faith, selflessness, and love.