On Wednesday the Diocese of Winona-Rochester recognized St. Gianna Beretta Molla, patron saint of mothers, physicians and unborn children, asking for broad prayers for healthcare workers ahead of next week’s feast day in her honor.

“St. Gianna became a physician in an era when this was an unusual path for women,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “She chose a career in medicine because of her deep desire to serve the most vulnerable—the poor, the elderly, mothers, and young children.” 

The recognition was the second day of a novena taking parishioners up to the feast day.

St. Gianna Beretta Molla was born in Milan in 1922, Vatican News says. Even as a young child, she was deeply faithful and drawn to God. As a young adult, she dedicated herself to studying and apostolic service. She earned a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Pavia in 1949 and went on to open a medical center. After earning a specialization in Pediatrics from the University of Milan, St. Gianna was able to focus on caring for mothers, babies, elderly people and the poor. 

Gianna married engineer Pietro Molla in 1955, Franciscan Media says. Before their wedding, Gianna wrote to him, saying, "Love is the most beautiful sentiment that the Lord has put into the soul of men and women.” 

Gianna and Pietro had three children, Franciscan Media continued. She then experienced two miscarriages. She became pregnant again, but doctors discovered that she also had a tumor in her uterus. She allowed doctors to remove the tumor, but they wanted to also perform a hysterectomy. Gianna would not allow it because it would have killed her baby. St.Gianna gave birth to a daughter, Gianna Emanuela Molla, but passed away from post-operative complications. Gianna Emanuela later became a physician, like her mother.

St. Gianna’s feast day is celebrated on April 28, according to catholic.org. 

With all the stress healthcare workers have been under during COVID-19, the diocese solicited prayers for all healthcare workers. “Every day, healthcare workers like St. Gianna perform acts of heroism, risking their health and well-being to care for those who are ill,” the Facebook posting said. “St. Gianna Molla, pray for us!”