Chiara Badano was born in 1971 in Sassello, Italy. Her parents prayed and tried to have a child for eleven years before Chiara was born. To them, she was their greatest blessing.
When she was nine years old, she attended her first meeting of the Focolare Movement, which focuses on the image of the forsaken Jesus as a way to make it through difficult times. This group had a large impact on Chiara’s life. Later in life, she said, “I discovered that Jesus forsaken is the key to unity with God, and I want to choose Him as my only spouse.”
Chiara had a loving family, a strong faith that was nurtured by retreats and youth group, she was popular, and a great athlete. It was while she was playing tennis that she felt a strong pain in her shoulder. The doctors diagnosed her with osteogenic sarcoma, a painful form of bone cancer. Although her future wouldn’t be what she imagined, this is where her story truly began.
Throughout all of her treatments, she refused morphine so that she could stay awake and alert. She said that it was important for her to know her pain and suffering so that she could offer it up. She often said, “If this is what you want, Jesus, so do I.” One doctor said, “Through her smile, and through her eyes full of light, she showed us that death doesn’t exist; only life exists.” She would walk around the hospital with a girl who was depressed, even though it caused her a great deal of pain. She would tell her family and doctors that she would have time to rest later. One of Chiara’s friends from the Focolare Movement said, “At first we thought we’d visit her to keep her spirits up, but very soon we understood that, in fact, we were the ones who needed her. Her life was like a magnet drawing us to her.”
Chiara asked to be buried in a wedding dress. Before she died, she told her mother, “Oh Mamma, young people… young people… they are the future. Young people have only one life and it’s worthwhile to spend it well.” In her last hours, Chiara received confession and communion. Surrounded by family and friends, her last words were, “Be happy, because I am happy.” Two thousand people attended her funeral, and the mayor of Sassello shut down the town so people would be able to attend.
Activities to Try:
+ Pray for all those who are ill, that they may rejoice in their suffering and that it may be united with Christ.
+ Join local youth groups to meet people who share your faith.
Bl. Chiara “Luce” Badano
“I suffered a lot, but my soul is singing.”
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us the beautiful example of Your daughter, Chiara Badano.
Though she suffered greatly here on earth, she offered it all up for You. Her faith and love for You was strong and vibrant.
We pray that we can follow her lead and love You as she did.
Blessed Chiara,
Pray for Us
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