Though perhaps not yet a “superstar” saint, Blessed Chiara Luce Badano’s story is rapidly building a following, especially among younger Catholics today, in part because her selfless acceptance of suffering provokes both curiosity and esteem among post-modern types.
This coming October 7 is the 25th anniversary of the death of an amazing young adult Christian believer, Blessed Chiara Luce Badano.
While perhaps not yet one of the “big saints” known by most Catholics, Chiara’s story is inspiring to many and it’s worth recalling as her popularity is rapidly growing, especially among young adult Catholics.
When the young woman was beatified on September 25, 2010, she became the first member of Generation X to be raised to such heights in the Catholic Church.
Who was this saintly young woman? Why is she becoming so renowned among young adults?
Some background might help. Early in their marriage, Chiara’s parents were told that they could not have children. Despite the bad news, her parents prayed for a child for eleven years.
When they conceived, they saw their child as an answered prayer and a grace given directly from God. In reference to this gift of divine providence, the couple named their daughter Chiara, meaning “light,” since her conception was an illumination to them of God’s goodness and kindness.
Throughout her life, the future Blessed always sought to live up to her name and display a strong witness to the light that is given by faith and virtue. With that said, however, Chiara was a regular child.
As a teenager, she enjoyed fixing her hair, being in the outdoors, spending time in coffee shops, listening to music, hanging out with friends, going on dates, as well as swimming and playing tennis.
Chiara had an adventurous spirit, which made her think of one day becoming a flight attendant. But Chiara also had struggles. She had a hard time with studies, and even failed her first year of high school. She was also sometimes mocked for her faith or made fun of because of her piety. Continue reading
Sources
- Crux article by Father Jeffrey F. Kirby, a Crux contributor
- Image: Parishes of Sassello