St. Gianna Beretta has been named Patron Saint of  World Meeting of Families. She wanted to be a missionary in Brazil, but this member of the Society of Vincent de Paul found sanctity as a physician and “working Mom”.  She was a pediatrician and mother of four, who passed away in 1962. During her fourth pregnancy, doctors discovered a tumor in her uterus. She decided to delay surgery to remove it until after the birth of her child, but by then it was too late.

Beretta is considered the patron saint of pregnant women. John Paul II, also named patron Saint for the Assembly, canonized her on May 16, 1994.

Visit the VinFormation presentation of her life and be inspired by the radiant joy in the photos. Also Vincentian Encyclopedia article.

The 8th World Meeting of Families will take place from September 22-27, 2015. Although it’s not yet confirmed, Pope Francis is widely expected to attend the last part of the gathering.