The Basics: Born October 4, 1922, in Italy; died April 28, 1962, in Italy; canonized May 16, 2004, by John Paul II; feast day, April 28. Wife; mother; physician.
The Story: It is a story in some ways is so similar to that of many women today. Gianna, a wife and 
mother of three children, was in her late thirties and building a strong career as a pediatrician. She was involved in ministries, loved the outdoors, had a passion for the fine arts. She was pregnant again, and everyone was happy.
But then, when she was two months along, a large fibroid was found in her uterus. Her choices were complete hysterectomy, which would mean the baby’s death, or removal of the growth and terminate or continue the pregnancy. Gianna opted for removal, but told her physicians that if at any point a decision had to be made, they should save the child.
The growth was removed in September 1961, and the pregnancy went on. Gianna gave birth the following April to a healthy daughter. However, the family’s happiness was short lived; Gianna died of an infection one week later, an infection that today almost certainly would have been successfully treated. Her daughter, Gianna Emanuela Molla, grew up to become a doctor herself, and speaks frequently about her mother’s faith.
Gianna’s Wisdom: “One cannot love without suffering or suffer without loving.”
What We Can Learn from Gianna: Gianna was right. Love and suffering go hand in hand during our earthly life. Pray for the faith to accept both… and to be obedient to the opportunities the Lord brings to draw us closer to Him through love and suffering.
To Learn More About Gianna: Visit the site for the Society of St. Gianna Beretta Molla.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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