tvc.dsj.org | November 6, 2018
COMMUNITY
7
Chiara Luce Badano,“She was a normal everyday girl, and possibly a normal everyday saint.”
By Kathy Fanger
Chiara Luce Badano was born in
1971 to Ruggero and Teresa Badano of
Sassello, Italy. At the early age of four,
Chiara seemed aware of the needs of
others. She would give her toys to poor
children, invite less-fortunate people
into the family’s home for the holidays,
and visit the elderly at the retirement
center. When other children were sick
and confined to bed, Chiara visited
them. She loved the stories of the
Gospel and attending Mass.
Chiara was an avid tennis player
and adored hiking and swimming.
She loved to sing and dance. Chiara
said she did not try to bring Jesus to
her friends with words, but with her
example and how she lived her life.
When she was nine, Chiara became
involved with the Focolare Movement
and its branch for young people. The
founder nicknamed her “Luce” mean-
ing “light”, because her smile and love
of Jesus lit up a room.
At 17, Chiara developed a very seri-
ous form of bone cancer. Treatments
were painful and unsuccessful. In her
suffering and paralysis, she felt closer
to Jesus. Despite being confined to
bed, Chiara wrote many letters in-
spiring everyone with her faith and
love. “I have nothing left, but I still
have my heart, and with that I can
Chiara Luce Badano
always love.”
When nearing death, Chiara said,
“Oh, Mama, young people – they are
the future. I can’t run anymore, but
now would like to pass them the torch,
like in the Olympics. Young people
have only one life and it’s worthwhile
to live it well.”
Chiara planned her funeral with
her mother. She chose the songs,
flowers and scripture readings for the
mass. When you’re getting me ready
in my white dress, you have to keep
singing, “Chiara Luce is now seeing
Jesus.” At my funeral, don’t shed any
tears for me. I don’t want people cry-
ing, but singing with all their hearts.”
Chiara died in 1990. Within nine
years, the bishop of her diocese began
the work on her cause for canoniza-
tion. Pope Benedict XVI declared her
“Blessed” in 2010. She was a normal,
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
to Host Free 6th annual Health Fare
On November 16, the Cathedral
Basilica of Saint Joseph will host its 6 th
Annual free Health Fare from 9 a.m.-
noon, in Loyola Hall.
There will be:
• Flu and Hepatitis A Shots
• Health Screenings (glucose,
cholesterol, dental, HIV, blood
pressure and more)
• Social Service Assistance (Social
Security, CalWorks, General As-
sistance, Medi-Cal)
• Mental Health and Substance
Abuse counseling
• Office of Supportive Housing
information
• Representatives from the Public
Defenders Office
Ladies of Charity Host
Annual Fall Luncheon and Bake Sale
Ladies of Charity is hosting its An-
nual Fall Luncheon and Bake Sale on
November 16, in Becket Hall at Saint
Thomas of Canterbury Parish, 1522
McCoy Avenue, San Jose.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; homemade
baked goodies for sale, homemade
lunch served, donation drawing. Cost
is $50 per person; tables of 8 available.
Please RSVP by November 13 to
1183 Capri Drive, Campbell 95008 with
check payable to Ladies of Charity.
Proceeds benefit Sacred Heart Na-
tivity School for Boys and Our Lady
of Grace School for girls. Ladies of
Charity is proud to partner with Sacred
Heart Nativity Schools to help break the
cycle of poverty through education.
everyday girl, and possibly a normal
everyday saint. Chiara’s brief life
showed us how much one person can
accomplish in God’s name. Chiara’s
Feast Day is October 29.*
Jesus will call each of us ‘home’ on
a day and moment we cannot predict.
Jesus gave us gifts, talents and a mis-
sion of our very own. Like Chiara,
we can be our best selves and share
Christ’s light with others.
One way we can offer our ‘best’ to
those we love most is by having our
end-of-life plans in place. Catholic
Cemeteries will assist you; listening
to your wishes and explaining burial
options. Our zero interest finance
plans now extend to 5 years. We also
have resources for planning a funeral
(Vigil, Mass or Memorial Service, and
Committal).
When plans are in place, loved ones
need not be burdened with countless
decisions. Their time may be focused
on supporting one another and giving
thanks to God for your life and legacy.
For more information or to sched-
ule an appointment, call (650) 428-3730
or www.ccdsj.org
*Taken from: RCL Benzinger-Saints
Resource.
SOLACE – Soul + Grief
Monthly Drop-In Grief Support
Group (4th Wed. each month)
November 28 | 7 – 9 p.m. at
O’Connor Hospital Chapel,
2105 Forest Ave, San Jose - Parking in
the back lot, right of Main entrance.
Facilitator: Candee Lucas, M.A.
Pastoral Ministries. We hope to create
a sacred space for you to share your
grieving. No RSVP necessary. Free.
Sponsored by Catholic Cemeteries
and O’Connor Hospital.
Anticipating the Holidays –
A Retreat for Grievers
November 17 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saint Elizabeth Parish – Saint Eliza-
beth Room – 750 Sequoia Drive,
Milpitas.
Presenter: Fr. Christopher Bennett
Holidays often accentuate the grief
and sadness experienced when a
loved one dies. Come and receive
strength and hope. Fr. Bennett
shares stories from scripture and
life and offers helpful suggestions
to meet this holiday season with
hope. Free – all are welcome. RSVPs
recom mended by Nov. 13. For
more information, contact Catholic
Cemeteries at (650) 428-3730 or
[email protected]
2018 Holiday Boutique
Fun Family Event!
Handmade gifts, olive oil, fruitcakes, art, plants,
baked goods, entertainment, face painting and much more!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY • November 17 & 18
10am-4pm
43326 Mission Circle
(510) 933-6334 for
Fremont, CA 94539
more information
www.msjdominicans.org
facebook.com/DominicanSistersofMSJ