St. Gianna Beretta Molla was born in Italy in 1922 to a devout Catholic family. After becoming a physician during World War II, Gianna eventually met her husband, Pietro Molla, and they had three children. When Gianna was pregnant with her fourth child, doctors discovered she had a uterine tumor. Instead of ending her baby’s life to save her own, she relied on the Lord’s strength to carry through with the pregnancy. Her daughter was born healthy, but sadly Gianna passed away days later due to complications. Gianna was a devoted wife, mother, and physician who prioritized living out her faith and raising her family to be Christians. She is the patron saint of physicians, unborn children, and mothers.
Questions for Reflection:
- When are moments in your life where you witnessed sacrificial love or showed sacrificial love to someone?
- What about St. Gianna Beretta Molla’s life and devout faith inspires you?
- In what circumstances do you find it easy/difficult to practice sacrificial love? In the difficult moments, can you try and rely on the strength of the Lord to carry you?