Blessed Chiara Luce Badano

I was born in 1971 in Sassello, Italy. My parents had prayed for 10 years to have a baby, and my birth was the answer to all their desires. Since I was a little child, I was aware of the need of the others. I invited less-fortunate people into my home for the holidays. I visited people when they were sick and old. At age of 9, I became involved with the Focolare movement in its branch for young people. I was not a boring saint, though. In fact, I was quite popular and had a lot of friends. I enjoyed sports, music and dancing. When I was 17, I was diagnosed with a serious form of bone cancer. Treatments were very painful and I became paralyzed. I must say that I felt really close to Jesus when I suffered. Despite my illness, I wrote letters and messages of encouragement to other people. I attended the Focolare youth meetings and inspired everyone with my faith and love. I gave my savings to a friend who was going to be a missionary. I died when I was 18 years old.