Chiara Badano

About Chiara Badano

Chiara Badano was an Italian teenager who died of bone cancer at age 18, offering her suffering for young people and the Church. An athletic, joyful girl active in the Focolare movement, Chiara accepted terminal cancer diagnosis with faith. She refused morphine to stay lucid, saying "I want to share as much as possible in Jesus's suffering on the cross." Her joyful witness converted doctors and nurses. She chose her white wedding dress for her funeral, calling death "my wedding to Jesus." Her final words were "Bye, Mom. Be happy, because I am." Beatified 2010, she's patron of World Youth Day.