Episode 1165: St Gianna Molla

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was born on October 4, 1922, in Magenta, Italy. She was the tenth of thirteen children in a devout Catholic family. From a young age, Gianna demonstrated a strong faith and a compassionate heart, which would shape her life's journey.

Gianna pursued a career in medicine and graduated from the University of Pavia in 1949, becoming one of the few female physicians of her time. She specialized in pediatrics and gynecology and was known for her dedication to her patients, particularly mothers and children.

In 1955, Gianna married Pietro Molla, a fellow physician, and they eventually had three children together. Throughout their marriage, Gianna and Pietro shared a deep love for each other and their faith, which was the foundation of their family life.

During her fourth pregnancy in 1961, Gianna was diagnosed with a serious uterine tumor. She faced the difficult choice of undergoing surgery that would save her life but result in the loss of her unborn child, or choosing a riskier procedure that could potentially save both her life and the life of her child.

Despite the risks to her own life, Gianna chose to undergo the procedure that would allow her unborn child to live. Tragically, she died a week after giving birth to her daughter Gianna Emanuela on April 28, 1962. She was 39 years old.

Gianna Molla's selfless act of sacrificing her own life for the sake of her unborn child and her unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life have made her a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1994, and canonized as a saint on May 16, 2004.

Saint Gianna Molla is revered as a patron saint of mothers, physicians, and unborn children. Her life and legacy continue to inspire countless people around the world to embrace the values of love, selflessness, and respect for all human life.