A YOUNG PERSON OF FAITH

CHIARA LUCE BADANO - A girl of faith, prayer, compassion and courage

Chiara Badano was born in October 1991 (21 years ago) in the small town of Sas- sello in . Her father was a truck driver and her mother worked at home taking care of Chiara.

Her mother taught her to love, respect and care for those in need. By the time she was ready to start school Chiara was saving her money to support Mission work in Africa. At school she would give her lunch to a less fortunate classmate. And, when her mother gave her two lunches, Chiara simply gave them both away, be- cause she cared so much about others. Such was her care and compassion.

One day Chiara took an apple from a neighbour’s orchard. When her mother asked her where it came from she replied: “I took it from the orchard next door.” As she hadn’t asked permission her mother insisted she return the apple and apolo- gise to her neighbour. She was slow to do it as she was embarrassed. So, Chiara took the apple and apologised. Next day the neighbour brought her a basket of ap- ples saying that Chiara had learned a very important lesson …Do not take what does not belong to you without permission . Chiara was delighted to receive the ap- ples from her neighbour and very happy to learn how to be an honest person.

When Chiara went to secondary school she was a good student and worked hard, at times she struggled with some subjects. Yet, she believed in herself as she knew she was doing her best. Doing her best made her feel happy. She had several good friends, often going out for games and a coffee with them. She enjoyed nor- mal teenage pastimes such as listening to music, dancing, singing, hiking, tennis and swimming.

When she was 16 years old she had a life changing experience in with the . Chiara had Luce meaning Light added to her name. She saw Jesus as being her light in life, he alone would guide her way. Chiara was a genuine friend of Jesus.

During the summer of 1988, Chiara felt a pain in her shoulder while playing ten- nis. It continued to pain her so she went to the doctor and had some tests. The doctors then discovered she had a rare and painful form of bone cancer.

Chiara never complained about the pain. During her stay in hospital, she would take the time to go on walks with another patient who was struggling with her ill- ness and feeling depressed. These walks were beneficial to the other patient but caused Chiara pain. Chiara, with her compassionate nature, wished to help some- one else in need, just like Jesus did.

Chiara’s parents were amazed at her ability to care for others and her generous spirit. They were very proud of her. Through her smile, and through her eyes full of light, she showed people the love of Jesus. Her closeness to Jesus was ra- diated to others through her love and caring actions. She accepted her suffering as Jesus did his. Her life was like a magnet drawing people towards Jesus.

Chiara kept her spirits up, even when she had chemotherapy. She knew Jesus was by her side caring for her. She donate all her savings to a friend who was do- ing Mission work in Africa.

When her mother and the doctor told her she would not get better she simply smiled and said: “Don’t worry, I am going to Jesus.” And Mum when I’m gone just keep saying to yourself, “Chiara Luce is now seeing Jesus and is very happy to be with Jesus.”

Chiara spent her final hours surrounded by her family and friends who prayed with her “Come Holy Spirit, Come.” Her last words were: “Be happy, because I am.” Chiara was only 18 years old when she died on 7th October 1990.

Thousands of people attended her funeral. The mayor of Sassello shut down the town so people would be able to attend the funeral Mass.

Beatification Benedict XVI recognised the miracle of a young Italian boy whose parents interceded to Chiara to heal him from his meningitis that was destroying his or- gans. His doctor could not medically explain his sudden healing. Chiara was de- clared “Blessed” on September 25, 2010 in Rome. Chiara’s feast day is cele- brated on 29 October each year. Blessed Chiara Luce, pray for us.

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and your neighbour as you love yourself. Luke 10 :27

Do you think these words might be suitable for Chiara Luce Badano? Why?

Answer the following:

1 Where was Chiara born?

2 How did she do in school?

3 What quality do you most admire in Chiara?

4 What did she do that showed she really loved Jesus, that he was a real personal friend of hers?

5 State one way that you can be as kind as Chiara was; to someone at home, or someone in your class.

6 What did Chiara value most in life, do you think?

7 What do you value most in life?

8 Chiara had no fear of dying...Why do you think she had no fear?

9 Write a prayer to Blessed Chiara Luce (Chiara the enlightened one) and ask her to help you to value the qualities Jesus has already given you and would like you to use, so as to be like him, and live like him.

10 Pray to Blessed Chiara for sick children...