Saint Gianna Beretta Molla

Saint Gianna grew up in a Catholic home in Italy.  She grew up viewing life as God's beautiful gift and found the greatest necessity and effectiveness in prayer. 

She studied medicine and became a pediatrician.  During her fourth pregnancy, she suffered an unimaginable pain. She prayed ceaselessly for the doctors to save the life of her child and even told her family, "If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child. I insist on it. Save the baby."

On April 21, 1962, Gianna Emanuela Molla successfully delivered by Caesarean section.  Sadly, a week after her daughter was born, St. Gianna died due to complications from the pregnancy. 

It is precisely her willingness to give her life for the sake of her child that lead to Gianna's canonization. Gianna was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1994, and officially canonized as a saint on May 16, 2004. Her husband and their children, including Gianna Emanuela, attended her canonization ceremony, making this the first time a husband witnessed his wife's canonization.

Saint Gianna is the patron saint of mothers, physicians, and unborn children.  

Her feast day is April 28. 

Find more information about St. Gianna HERE