St. Gianna Beretta Molla
Italian pediatrician and mother (1922-1962); refused therapeutic abortion and a hysterectomy when a uterine fibroma was discovered during her fourth pregnancy, asking that her child's life be saved at the cost of her own. Delivered a healthy daughter in April 1962 and died of septic peritonitis a week later. Canonized 2004 by John Paul II as a model lay woman, wife, and mother.
Life & Times
Born: 1922 · Died: 1962 · From: Italy.
Patronage
St. Gianna Beretta Molla is invoked as the patron of mothers, physicians, unborn children, pro-life movement. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light.”— Letter to her fiancé Pietro Molla (1955)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Gianna Beretta Molla, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.