The Holiness of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla: A Testament to Love and Faith

The story of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla is one of love, sacrifice, and faith. A pediatrician and mother, she is remembered for her unwavering Catholic faith and pro-life testimony. When faced with a difficult decision during her fourth pregnancy, Gianna chose to risk her own life to save her unborn child, Gianna Emanuela Molla.

Gianna’s refusal to abort her baby ultimately led to her death, but her legacy lives on. Canonized in 2004, Saint Gianna’s life serves as a powerful example of holy marriage and true love. The letters she exchanged with her husband, Pietro, reveal the depth of their love and their shared commitment to Christ.

In a letter to Pietro before their wedding, Saint Gianna proposed a triduum of prayer to spiritually prepare for their marriage. She wrote, “The Blessed Virgin will unite our prayers, desires, and since union is strength, Jesus cannot stop listening to us and helping us.” This gesture of faith and love is just one example of the profound connection between Gianna and Pietro.

During the World Meeting of Families in 2015, Gianna Emanuela read a letter from her mother to Pietro, expressing gratitude for their love and faith. Saint Gianna wrote, “With God’s help and blessing we are going to do everything we can to create a new family, a small cenacle where Jesus reigns over our affections, desires and actions.”

The story of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla is a reminder of the power of love, sacrifice, and faith in marriage. Her example continues to inspire and guide couples in their own relationships. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, please pray for us! 🙏