Blessed Chiara Badano

Chiara Badano was born on October 29, 1971, in Sassello, Italy. Her parents had waited eleven years for her birth. She grew up in a loving family; from childhood she loved Jesus and Mary and surrounded people in need with special care. At the age of nine she joined the Focolare Movement, and later she encouraged her parents to become involved in it as well. She tried to unite her faith with her everyday duties, including her studies, which she regarded as a duty to be carried out with joy.

At 17, while playing tennis, she felt a sharp pain in her left shoulder. Tests revealed a severe osteosarcoma with metastases. In February 1989 she began treatment in Turin and underwent surgery. The disease, however, kept advancing. Chiara asked Mary for healing, but also for strength if healing was not in accordance with God’s will. Her Church biography relates that in her suffering she tried not to complain and kept her serenity of spirit.

Chiara died on October 7, 1990, at the age of 18. Before her death she said to her mother: “Mom, be happy, because I am.” For many, her life has become a witness of youthful faith, love of neighbor, and hope in the midst of suffering.

On September 25, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI declared her blessed. Her memorial falls on October 29. Blessed Chiara is often called “Chiara Luce,” that is, “Chiara of Light”; the nickname is connected with her witness of faith and joy.