Her daughter Gianna Emanuela was born on Good Saturday, 1962. Gianna died a week later, aged 39. She was canonised in 2004, with her husband and daughter in St Peter’s Square.
Historical Context
Gianna is one of very few canonised saints who were ordinary married professionals in the modern world. She ran a medical practice, drove her own car, and wrote love letters to her husband Pietro that are still in print. Her holiness was lived in a life that looks a lot like many of ours.
A Prayer to St Gianna for a Healthy Pregnancy
St Gianna, you loved the child within you more than your own life.
Pray for me and for the baby I’m carrying.
Protect us both through this pregnancy and delivery.
Give my doctors wisdom and me peace.
And if there are hard choices ahead, give me your courage and love.
Amen.
For Mothers
St Gianna, wife, mother and doctor,
pray for every mother trying to hold everything together.
Give us joy in our children, patience in the hard days
and the grace to be holy in ordinary life, like you.
Amen.
For Doctors
St Gianna, you cared for your patients as for Christ.
Pray for all doctors, especially those caring for mothers and children.
Let their skill serve life.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Throughout a pregnancy, especially a difficult one.
- When facing a hard medical diagnosis during pregnancy.
- For working mothers, at the start of the day.
- On 28 April, her feast.
Scripture Connection
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13
Gianna lived this verse in the most literal way a mother can. But her family is clear that she wasn’t seeking death; she loved life, and wanted to live. Her sacrifice was love, not despair.
Related prayers
For expectant mothers, see the Prayer to St Gerard and the Prayer to Prevent Miscarriage. For mothers, A Mother’s Prayer.