St. Gianna Beretta Molla was born on October 4th, 1922 in Magenta, Italy. The 10th of 13 children, her parents raised her and her siblings with strong Catholic values. They attended Mass every day and ended each night with a family rosary. How often do I attend Mass or say the rosary? Do I push prayer aside?
A large part of Gianna’s vocation was her career. She began studying medicine in Milan in 1942. She graduated with degrees from the University of Pavia in medicine and surgery in 1949, and she opened a medical office shortly after. In 1952, she returned to school at the University of Milan to study pediatrics. She had a special affinity for helping mothers, children, the unborn, and the elderly—all very vulnerable people. Dr. Gianna Beretta Molla knew medicine was part of her purpose and mission. She also served Catholic Action, a movement whose goal is to pull Catholic Social Teaching into the broader culture. How do I use my gifts and talents to serve others? What is one way I can help someone else today?
Though Gianna had her hands full with her career, she still made time for a wonderful family. Through the sacrament of holy matrimony, Gianna married Pietro Molla on September 24th, 1956. The couple placed God at the center of their relationship and strived to perfectly live their marriage vows. Am I determined to authentically live my vocation? How can I properly and prudently discern my vocation?
She and her husband had four children. The oldest, a boy named Pierluigi, was born in 1956. Pierluigi is still alive, and he works as a mechanical engineer. The next child, a girl named Mariolina Zita, was born in 1957. Unfortunately, Mariolina fell ill at age 6 and tragically passed away. The third child, a girl named Laura, was born in 1959. Laura, like her brother, is still living. Gianna’s fourth pregnancy was more tumultuous than the others. The doctors discovered a fibroma in her womb that could only be remedied through an abortion, a hysterectomy, or a removal surgery. The removal posed the greatest threat to her own life, but to preserve the life of her child, Gianna chose that option. The removal was successful, and eventually, Gianna gave birth to her fourth child, Gianna Emanuela, via a Caesarean section. However, this delivery was extremely complicated, so Gianna was sure to plead to the doctors and her husband, “If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate choose the child—I insist on it. Save him". Seven days after the delivery, Gianna tragically died from an infection in her abdomen. As she passed, she exclaimed, “Jesus, I love You!” Am I willing to sacrifice for You, Lord? Do I trust Your plan for my life and death?
Several miracles have occurred to pregnant women who pleaded to Gianna, so she was canonized on May 16th, 2004. Her husband and children were present at her beatification and canonization (she was the first saint whose husband witnessed her canonization!). She is an exemplary model for wives, mothers, physicians, and all who work in the pro-life movement. Her feast is celebrated on April 28th. How will I honor St. Gianna today?
Originally from Iowa, Madeline Murphy is the Director of Spirituality for the 2022-23 school year and part of the Class of 2025! You can reach her at murph64@nd.edu