St. Gianna Molla

Feast Day: April 28
Patron of: Mothers, Physicians, and Unborn Children

Gianna Beretta Molla was born October 4th, 1922 in Italy to a loving and devoted Catholic family. In 1949 Gianna received her doctoral degree and became a missionary of love in her daily duties as a wife, mother and physician. When pregnant with her fourth child, her faith was tested with complications. Given a choice, she chose to preserve her pregnancy and before giving birth said, ''If you have to decide between me and the child, do not hesitate; I demand it, the child, save it. '' St. Gianna died in the heroic sacrifice of her life for that of her daughter’s. She is often depicted smiling with her children having lived a life of courageous joy and strength. Lilies-of-the-valley are often associated with Gianna both as her favorite flower and the flower of the Sorrowful Mother; honoring mothers longing for a child and those suffering the loss of a child.