Biography
Gianna was a modern Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother who loved skiing, painting, and music. Deeply devout, she viewed her medical practice as a mission. While pregnant with her fourth child, she was diagnosed with a uterine fibroid tumor. She was given three choices: an abortion, a complete hysterectomy (which would kill the child), or removal of just the tumor, which carried severe risks to her own life. Gianna explicitly demanded that the baby's life be prioritized over hers. The baby, Gianna Emanuela, was successfully delivered via C-section, but Gianna died of septic peritonitis a week later, repeatedly saying, 'Jesus, I love you.' Her husband and the daughter she saved were present at her canonization.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦Healing of Lucia Sylvia Cirilo from a fatal uterine complication (Beatification)
- ✦Healing of Elizabeth Comparini whose water broke at 16 weeks; she delivered a healthy baby at term (Canonization)
Wisdom & Quotes
“If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child. I insist on it. Save him.”
“Love is the most beautiful sentiment the Lord has put into the soul of men and women.”
“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day.”