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Breast Cancer: St. Gianna

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla—a physician, wife, mother, and saint—embraced faith as she balanced professional and familial duties from 1922 to 1962. Diagnosed with a life-threatening fibroma during her fourth pregnancy, she chose to undergo tumor removal rather than endanger her child at the cost of her life. Born of impeccable faith, she carried her pregnancy to term, gave birth on April 21, and entered eternal life on April 28 after contracting septic peritonitis. Her canonization honored her as a witness to life’s sanctity, and her legacy endures through patronage, institutions, and countless inspired hearts.

Born: October 4, 1922, Magenta, Italy. 10th of 13 children.
Died: April 28, 1962, Monza, Italy, at age 39.
Feast Day: April 28. Beatified April 24, 1994; canonized May 16, 2004 by Pope John Paul II.

Family & Early Life

  • Born into a deeply devout Catholic household; from childhood she joined Catholic Action and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. 

  • Studied medicine during WWII: earned her degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Pavia in 1949, and completed pediatric specialization at the University of Milan in 1952. Established a clinic in Mesero in 1950.

  • Married engineer Pietro Molla on September 24, 1955. Together they had: Pierluigi (b. 1956), Mariolina (1957–1964), Laura (b. 1959), and Gianna Emanuela (b. 1962).

Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

  • In early September 1961, during her fourth pregnancy, she was diagnosed with a uterine fibroma. Doctors presented three options:

    1. Abortion – to save her own life.

    2. Hysterectomy – to save her life, but end the pregnancy.

    3. Conservative removal of the fibroma – preserve both lives, at high risk.

  • Gianna chose the third option, prioritizing her unborn child’s life. She explicitly instructed doctors, “If you must choose between me and the child, choose the child – I insist it be saved.”

Illness Duration & Complications

  • After fibroma removal, she carried the pregnancy for seven more months, balancing her duties as mother, physician, and homemaker. 

  • Underwent C‑section on April 21, 1962 (Holy Saturday), delivering Gianna Emanuela.

  • Postpartum she suffered from septic peritonitis—a severe abdominal infection. Despite intensive care, she succumbed to complications after seven days, dying in Monza.

End‑of‑Life Preparation

  • In her final days, she reaffirmed her decision to save her child.

  • As her strength waned, she professed faith aloud, repeating “Jesus, I love you.”

  • She passed peacefully at home and was later laid in the family chapel at Mesero cemetery.

Relationship with the Catholic Church

  • From youth, she integrated her medical career and faith through Catholic Action and church charity.

  • Viewed medicine as a divine mission—believing doctors “touch Jesus in the bodies of patients.”

  • Her choice became emblematic of the Church's pro-life stance; Pope Paul VI cited her at the Angelus in 1973.

  • The canonization process began in 1972, beatified in 1994 after a Brazilian medical healing miracle, and canonized in 2004 after a second miracle. Notably, her husband became the first spouse present at a wife’s canonization.

Legacy & Patronage

  • Patron saint of mothers, unborn children, physicians, families, and those suffering from cancer—especially breast and uterine cancer. 

  • Inspired the Gianna Center in New York—the first Catholic pro-life women’s health center.

  • Served as a co‑patron for the World Meeting of Families in 2015.

 

 

References:

  1. Catholic News Agency – Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
    Biography, timeline, quotes, and Church recognition
    ➤ https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/gianna-beretta-molla-741

  2. Catholic Online – Saints & Angels: St. Gianna Beretta Molla
    Overview of her canonization and spiritual legacy
    ➤ https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=6983

  3. Wikipedia – Gianna Beretta Molla
    Detailed chronology of her education, medical work, illness, and sainthood
    ➤ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Beretta_Molla

  4. Society of Saint Charles Borromeo – Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
    Direct quotes, spiritual devotions, and treatment details
    ➤ https://www.scborromeo.org/saints/gianna.htm

  5. FIAMC (World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations)
    Discussion of her role as a Catholic physician
    ➤ https://www.fiamc.org/faith-prayer/saints/st-gianna-beretta-molla

  6. Catholic Life (Diocese of La Crosse)
    Reflections on her medical vocation and motherhood
    ➤ https://catholiclife.diolc.org/2023/02/14/st-gianna-beretta-molla

  7. Saint Gianna Parish (Canada)
    Church named in her honor, details of her feast and patronage
    ➤ https://www.stgianna.ca/saint-gianna-beretta-molla-church/saint-gianna-our-patroness

  8. Catholic 365 – The Inspiring Life and Legacy of Saint Gianna
    Pro-life work and impact on women’s healthcare
    ➤ https://www.catholic365.com/article/29901/the-inspiring-life-and-legacy-of-saint-gianna-beretta-molla-a-model-of-faith-and-protection-of-the-unborn.html

  9. Hallow – Catholic Meditation App
    Short biographical entry and saint meditation
    ➤ https://hallow.com/saints/gianna-beretta-molla

  10. National Catholic Register – Saint Features
    Canonization coverage and family involvement
    ➤ https://www.ncregister.com/features/st-gianna-beretta-molla-modern-mother-modern-saint

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