Italian Saint’s Daughter Visits WNY

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Diocese of Buffalo welcomes the daughter of an Italian Roman Catholic saint.

Gianna Emanuela Molla, M.D., is the youngest daughter of St. Gianna Beretta Molla. She is visiting western New York from July 11-14 and is participating in several special events, culminating in a luncheon and Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo in her honor on Sunday.

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was also a physician and pediatrician. Although she was aware of the possible fatal consequences of her pregnancy, Molla refused both a termination of pregnancy and a hysterectomy when medical complications arose during her pregnancy with her fourth child, Gianna Emanuela. Seven days after the child’s birth, Molla died.

“Conscious immolation” is how Pope Paul VI defined the act of Blessed Gianna, recalling her during the Angelus on Sunday, September 23, 1973, as a “young mother from the diocese of Milan who, in order to give life to her daughter, sacrificed her own, through a conscious immolation.”

She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2004.

Saint Gianna is the patron saint of mothers, doctors and unborn children.

Cheryl Calire, director of life ministries for the Diocese of Buffalo, worked for years to bring Dr. Molla to Buffalo. There are nine pregnancy centers in Western New York named for St. Gianna.

“We really have planned an inspiring week, if you will,” Calire said.

“That she could touch people’s lives, whether they were Catholic or not, I thought that’s what it’s all about. It’s just about moms, dads, families and babies, and she’s really achieved that goal so far,” she added.

Most events with Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla are open to the public.