Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
A paediatrician, wife and mother near Milan, who died in 1962
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Layperson
- Life
- 1922 – 1962
- Era
- 20th century
- Feast
- 28 April
- Countries
- Italy
Life story
Gianna Beretta was born on 4 October 1922 at Magenta, near Milan, one of several children in a comfortable family. She studied medicine at Pavia, graduated in 1949, opened a practice at Mesero, outside Milan, and in 1952 specialised in paediatrics in Milan. She cared for mothers, children and the elderly and took part in the social work of Catholic Action.
In 1955 she married the engineer Pietro Molla and had three children: Pierluigi, Maria Zita (called Mariolina) and Laura. She continued to practise medicine after her marriage. In these years she divided her time between the family and her medical work.
In late 1961, during her fourth pregnancy, a tumour of the uterus was found that needed prompt treatment. The doctors proposed several courses of action. According to her family, she chose the option that protected the unborn child even though it endangered her own life. Her daughter Gianna Emanuela was born on 21 April 1962, and Gianna died on 28 April 1962 at Monza, aged thirty-nine.
John Paul II beatified her on 24 April 1994 and canonised her on 16 May 2004. Pietro Molla and their daughter Gianna Emanuela attended the canonisation. She is buried at Mesero, near Magenta. Her brother Alberto was a missionary priest in Brazil, and she had at one time hoped to join him there as a doctor, but poor health prevented it. Her husband lived to attend her canonisation.
Works and witness
- Graduated in medicine at Pavia in 1949 and specialised in paediatrics in 1952
- Married Pietro Molla in 1955 and had three children
- Took part in the social work of Catholic Action
- Fourth pregnancy of 1961-1962; died seven days after the birth
Saints from the same country
References
- Martyrologium Romanum
- Dicastery for the Causes of Saints – biographical profile
- Acts of the beatification and canonisation process of Gianna Beretta Molla
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.