Christian Men and Women

Saint Gianna Francesca Beretta

Gianna Francesca Beretta was born in Magenta in Italy. She was the tenth of thirteen children in her family, only nine of whom survived to adulthood.

In 1942, Gianna began her study of medicine in Milan. Outside of her schooling, she preached about the life of Jesus. She received a medical diploma in 1949, and opened an office in Mesero, near her hometown of Magenta. Gianna hoped to join her brother, a missionary priest in Brazil, where she intended to offer her medical expertise to help poor women. However, she was very ill and this made it impractical, so she continued being a doctor in Italy. In September 1955 she married Pietro Molla. The couple had two children but because Gianna was so ill she often had many miscarrages.

On April 21, 1962, Good Friday of that year, Gianna went to the hospital, to have another child. There had been complications throughout her pregnancy and Gianna was quite clear about her wishes, expressing to her family, "This time it will be a difficult delivery, and they may have to save one or the other -- I want them to save my baby." Gianna had a baby but died days after the birth.

Gianna was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1994, and officially canonized as a saint on May 16, 2004. Gianna's husband Pietro and their last child, Gianna, were present at the canonization ceremony.

Gianna’s virtues included Courage (Fortitude), Faith, Hope and Love (Charity).