In 1937, a great sadness befalls the Beretta home. Amalia, the oldest daughter, who had helped Gianna with her Communion and Confirmation studies earlier, had died as she had never experienced good health throughout her life. Papa Beretta decided to move the family to Genoa in the Quinto al Mare neighborhood where Gianna and her siblings attended school. Gianna was an active participant in parish life in the parish of Saint Peter, and Archbishop Mario Righetti had an active role in her spiritual formation until the Berettas returned to Bergamo in October, 1941 to live with her maternal grandparents in San Vigilio.
During this time frame, in the spring of 1938, Gianna (age 15 1/2) made the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius led by Michele Avedano, a Jesuit at Dorothean Sister's school. The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius are a set of Christian meditations, contemplation, and prayers written by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a 16th century Spanish priest, theologian, and founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Divided into four thematic “weeks” of variable lengths; they are designed to be carried out over a period of 28 to 30 days. They were composed with the intention of helping participants in religious retreats to discern the Will of God in their lives, leading to personal commitment to Jesus, whatever the cost. Their underlying theology has been found agreeable to other Christian denominations who make use of them and also for addressing problems facing society in the 21st century.
During her time at this retreat, Gianna wrote 30 pages of recollections. Among her recollections were as follows: “I want to avoid the deadly sin as if it were a snake. I’m writing that here again: I’d rather die a thousand times than offend God”. And among her prayers: “Jesus, I shall accept all you will let me happen. Just let me know Your Will.”1
We still have her resolutions from this retreat, which marked a new phase in her spiritual life. Some of these resolutions are listed below.1 See picture below of Gianna below attending this retreat.
1. “I resolve to do everything for Jesus; every work of mine, every trouble, I offer all to Jesus.”
2. “I resolve that in order to serve God, I no longer want to go to the movies if I do not know in advance whether they can be seen or not, if they are modest and not scandalous and immoral.”
3. “To say a HAIL MAY daily so that the Lord may give me a happy death (emphasis added).”
4. “I prefer to die rather than commit a mortal sin.”
5. “To obey (my teacher) and study even though I do not want to, for the love of Jesus.”
After completing this retreat, Gianna became more devoted to her studies; she became religious about daily meditation. From this point on in her life, Gianna’s life became one of outstanding achievement and commitment. Her renewed enthusiasm in her studies resulted in great grades, the fruit of constant self-sacrifice on her part; and her prayer life deepened at this point as well.
One of her teacher’s at this time, Sister Anna Rabbia, writes of her impressions of Gianna: “The sweetness of her face, the gracefulness of her bearing, the smile on her lips were rays of the beauty of her soul, a reflection of her noble and pure heart… Brought up in a deeply religious family, she had ... learnt a deep piety… that serious and true piety which is the most beautiful ornament of Christian young lady… Diligent and committed to her studies, she was a model of respect and discipline.”2 This was the same student, prior to the Saint Ignatius retreat, who could barely pass each school year.
Gianna’s love of nature continued as her passions were mountain climbing and skiing (see picture below). She often declared that at the top of a mountain she felt the closest to God all covered in snow. Gianna was a talented painter and her paintings of Madonna and scenic works are still treasured by her loved ones. While always dressing modestly, she liked “nice” clothes. One of her friends remembers borrowing her beautiful ski jacket.
As you have read above, Gianna's Catholic religion was paramount in her life, but she did enjoy nature, skiing, fine clothes, and other worldly advantages. Gianna would have been the first to agree with the old adage that “a sad saint is a very sorry saint.”3
May God Bless You and Your Loved Ones!
The Board of Directors for
The Society of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
Check out our website at: https://saintgianna.org
1 Booklet: “No Greater Love” Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Heroic Witness to Life by Ann M. Brown
2 Booklet: “No Greater Love” Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Heroic Witness to Life by Ann M. Brown
3 Booklet: “No Greater Love” Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Heroic Witness to Life by Ann M. Brown
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