Saint Gianna Molla: Wife, Mother, Doctor

by Pietro Molla

This is the inspiring story of a canonized contemporary woman. Gianna Molla (1923-1962) risked her life in order to save her unborn child. Diagnosed with uterine tumors during her fourth pregnancy, she refused a hysterectomy that would have aborted the child, and opted for a riskier surgery in an attempt to save the baby. Herself a medical doctor, Molla did give birth to the child, but succumbed to an infection.An Italian woman who loved skiing, playing piano, attending concerts at the Milan Conservatory, Molla was a dedicated physician and devoted wife and mother who lived life to the fullest, yet generously risked death by cancer for the sake of her child.

A unique story, co-authored by her own husband, with his deeply moving personal insights of the heroic witness, love, sacrifice and joy of his saintly wife. A woman for all times and walks of life, this moving account of the multi-faceted, selfless St. Gianna Molla, who made the ultimate sacrifice to save her unborn child, will be an inspiration to all readers. Illustrated

"A woman of exceptional love, an outstanding wife and mother, Gianna Molla gave witness in her daily life to the demanding values of the Gospel."- Pope John Paul II

Genres: Catholic, Biography, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Christianity, Faith

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2004

Reviews

[Friar Stebin John Capuchin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that narrates one of the modern saints, Saint Gianna Molla. She is a great model for all those who choose the marriage life. This book is an invitation for us to be holy. This book shares the value of life. An inspiration for all the young people.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a simple but intimate account of a life of true joy and trust in suffering. I especially loved seeing how Gianna passed so very much of her faith onto her husband, who carried forward her mission to love and witness to joy after she was gone and amid so much sorrow.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Gianna Molla is an interesting woman, I think her biography could have been consolidated into a cohesive whole. It didn't need the 3 parts, each repeating the information of the other two. Her biography didn't reveal her to extraordinary, more like an ordinary woman living in quiet holiness, who made a sacrifice of her own life when she was not required to.

[John Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Gianna's life is so inspiring. Her life and words encourage me to be fervent in my walk with Jesus and also to follow His call (vocation) for my life.

[Vicky Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fantastic telling of the life of St. Gianna. We named our first daughter after her and I thought I knew more about her but reading this book taught me that she lived a life of virtue that simply culminated in the sacrifice of her life. She made the ultimate sacrifice so her daughter could live but this was by far not the only thing that led to her sainthood. Little sacrifices, trusting the Lord in the small moments throughout her seemingly ordinary life allowed her to say yes to choosing life for her daughter rather than herself. Her life is a beautiful example to all, but most especially to wives, mothers and working parents that sanctity can be found through the vocation of marriage and parenthood. I’m so grateful for her example and am so blessed to have a daughter named after her that reminds me of her every time I speak her name.

[Kester Nucum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love St. Gianna, and this biography helped me love her and grow my devotion to her even more. However, this book was not necessarily what I expected in terms of a typical biography. Part 1 is a short background on the Beretta and Molla families, and how St. Gianna and her husband Pietro met. Part 2 is an interview with Pietro Molla, and Part 3 includes meditations written by Pietro. While I liked these additions, I was expecting and wanting more of the typical biography. I liked it and got what I needed out of it, and it'll stay on my shelf, but I was hoping for more substance and stories from her life.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've started reading this book three times over the past twenty years, and I finally finished it. Not that it wasn't a great book about an amazing saint's life...I just didn't have the momentum to get past the first half of the book until recently.

Although I've had a devotion to St. Gianna for a long time, and I've known quite a bit about her life, this story, largely written by her widowed husband, gave me an intimate glimpse into her personality and spirituality. I highly recommend this book!

[Rachel Stadler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most beautifully written or structured book I’ve ever read, but her life and sanctity speak for themselves. Her life was simple and real and relatable. She didn’t do anything crazy; she was just holy. As her husband said, “I didn’t know I was living with a saint.” Her life makes sanctity in the simplicity of motherhood feel attainable.

Bonuses: She also was always late in her pregnancies (10 days, typically). She also felt strongly about having her first 3 children at home, “despite being a doctor.” I knew I liked her. 😜

[Stephanie Quesnelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the newest saints, this book was a touching tribute from a husband about his saintly wife. It came into my life at a wonderful time as I'm preparing for marriage. The husband's perspective of his wife was moving. I almost cried at one point when he described her selfless suffering the week before she died. It's a really good intro book... Must find more

[FatherBenjamin Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to St. Gianna. It gives a brief history of the Beretta and Molla families and her life. Since it relates an interview with Pietro Molla, her husband, it gives a different dimension to Gianna's story than many other saints' stories, and because she's a modern saint the telling has a certain reality to it (in contrast to some hagiography). Short, easy read.

[Lillian Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very good story and very inspiring. It showed the love a mother has for her children and the sacrifices she is willing to make for her children. He selfless action lead to her canonization as a saint and her children get to live and remember their mother’s gracious sacrifices. All in all Gianna was a great women who I was happy to read about to learn about her life.

[Ana Paula G.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very inspiring to read to her story through the words of her husband. However, I did not enjoy the interview-type of storytelling. I think I was a little disappointed because I was also expecting more of her writing but the pieces that were indeed shared, ignited hope in my heart.

[Kayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is separated into three parts, with each part repeating the same general information we had previously read.
I would have liked it to delve more into details of her life, struggles, & true personality, and details about what made her remarkable, instead of repeating surface-level facts, and I would have given it four stars if it would have stopped after the first of the three parts.
I didn’t care for the question-and-answer (2nd section), as it was repetitive, poorly written, and lacked flow, and I was already “over” reading the same stuff by the third.

That being said, the book does not change my respect of the lovely Saint.
St. Gianna, Pray for us

[Janet Silvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed hearing about Saint Gianna Molla and her life. It was really interesting. I will probably read Saint Albert the Great next as I have not heard about him before but I have to read an ordinary book next as I have one oe two to read before I dive into Saint Albert.

[Leah Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edifying story, but I had wished for more details.

[Kathleen Kirchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful!

[The Nutmeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO BEAUTIFUL.

[Audrey Lenahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saint Gianna Molla is amazing and such a needed example in our times. However, I thought the book was poorly written and didn't give me much of a feel for what she was really like. For example, it briefly mentions her academic struggles in young life but never mentions what they were. It was also incoherent - repetitive at parts and lacking detail in others. Extra stars because I like St. Gianna. Otherwise, the writing would have brought it down to two.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently, I had the incredible blessing of venerating the relics of St. Gianna Molla—a pair of gloves that she actually wore. Our family prayed with them and blessed our rosaries and holy cards with the gloves. My husband laid the gloves on the heads and hearts of our children, as instructed by the representative of the Shrine. He shared with us how much St. Gianna loves our families and will pray for us!

It was after this experience that I started reading this book. It beautifully depicts her life through the thoughts and words of her husband, who was interviewed for the book. As a wife and mother myself, St. Gianna is someone I can personally relate to and look up to. She is a beautiful modern-day saint! And our Church is blessed to have her!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story. Sad, but powerful. Gianna Molla is the first married laywoman to be declared a saint (there are many widows, but her husband is still alive and helped write the book). She is also the first canonized woman physician, and was a working mom four decades ago when that was rare. I liked her approach to doctoring both body and spirit.

[Ruby Nazaruk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read this book for awhile. Saint Gianna is my confirmation patron saint. I loved reading about her. Such an inspiration for women and mothers. I want to be like her. The book is an easy read, though I took my time reading it. I used it more as spiritual reading.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gianna is my homegirl, and I feel great comfort in having her as a my patroness and as a patroness of the LSG.

Her love and devotion were total, and the fruit of that totality was a life of joy.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful overview of St. Gianna (canonized in May, 2004)--her life, her work, and her marriage. The interview with her husband is especially illuminating.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing woman! I'm thinking of choosing her as my Saint for confirmation...it's between her and St. Bridget!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational modern day Saint!

[M]

Interesting women. Very accomplished and smart.

[Derek Prior · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational story, but the book was somewhat repetitive and hagiographic.

[Carmen Garland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great saint, but the book was just ok

[Becky Mikel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring. Loved the insight into the Molla's marriage.

[Ellen Sizemore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great glimpse into the life of an amazing woman and mother. A little repetitive at times, but overall a good way to learn about St. Gianna.