Who was the most recent saint canonized? The answer to this question is Saint Gianna Molla, an Italian mother who was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2004. Born on April 14, 1922, in Italy, Gianna Molla was a medical doctor and a devoted wife and mother of four children. Her life and heroic sacrifice have inspired countless people around the world.
Gianna Molla’s journey to sainthood began with her selfless act of donating a kidney to her youngest daughter, Emanuela, who was suffering from a kidney disease. This surgery was risky, and Gianna knew that it could cost her her own life. Despite the danger, she chose to save her daughter, saying, “If the kidney can save my daughter, I will give it to her.” Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful, and Gianna passed away on April 28, 1962, at the age of 29.
Her selfless love and dedication to her family and faith led to her beatification by Pope John Paul II in 1994. Four years later, she was canonized as a saint, becoming the first saint to be canonized by a Pope during a World Youth Day celebration. Gianna Molla’s canonization was a testament to her extraordinary courage and love for others.
The story of Saint Gianna Molla has touched the hearts of many, including Pope Francis, who has often spoken about her. In a message to the participants of the Fifth World Meeting of Families in Milan in 2016, Pope Francis said, “Gianna Molla, who became a mother, is a witness to the beauty of life and of the family, and she is a model for all mothers.”
Saint Gianna Molla’s life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. Her courage in the face of adversity and her unwavering faith in God have made her a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. Her canonization serves as a reminder of the power of love and the importance of self-sacrifice for the greater good.
In conclusion, the most recent saint canonized is Saint Gianna Molla, an Italian mother whose life and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Her story of love, faith, and courage continues to inspire people to live lives of compassion and selflessness.
