St. Gianna Molla Novena – 9 Days of Prayer
Novena to the Italian doctor-saint who gave her life to save her unborn child — a martyr of motherhood
St. Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian doctor and mother who, during her fourth pregnancy, chose to protect her unborn child even at risk to her own life. She died a week after her daughter's birth in 1962. This novena asks for her help for mothers, physicians and the unborn. Her feast is April 28. She was canonised in 2004, and her husband and children were present. Her story invites every parent to reflect on love that costs something. Pray it for a safe pregnancy, a healthy birth or courage in a hard choice, and offer thanks for the gift of life.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (April 28) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlaySt. Gianna Molla Novena – prayer for all nine days
Intention: For Mothers, Unborn Children, Pro-Life Work, and Medical Vocations
St. Gianna Beretta Molla, physician and mother, you lived fully in the world — enjoying fashion, music, and the outdoors — while keeping your heart always fixed on God and on love.
St. Gianna, you were a doctor who brought both medicine and faith to those you served. When faced with an impossible choice between your life and the life of your unborn daughter, you chose without hesitation — and you died for love.
You said: 'Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering and we cannot suffer without love.' Help me to love with that kind of courage.
(Pause here to mention your intentions)
St. Gianna, intercede for all mothers who carry children under difficult circumstances. Pray for those in the medical profession who must navigate impossible decisions. And obtain for me the grace I seek in this novena — a heart that chooses love, even when it costs everything.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
St. Gianna Beretta Molla, pray for us.
Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.
Traditional Catholic Devotional Prayer · Feast Day: April 28. Canonized May 16, 2004 by St. John Paul II
More novenas
- St. Jude Novena
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena
- St. Joseph Novena
- St. Therese Novena
- St. Anthony of Padua Novena
- St. Rita Novena
Frequently asked questions
When should I start the St. Gianna Molla Novena?
Begin on April 19 to end on April 27, the eve of her feast on April 28.
How do I pray the St. Gianna Molla Novena?
Pray the daily prayer once a day and consider offering it for a mother or a family in need.
Who is the St. Gianna Molla Novena for?
It is for expectant mothers, physicians and pro-life families.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play