15 Days of prayer with Blessed Chiara Luce

Blessed Chiara Badano, named Chiara “Luce” by Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement (or Work of Mary), was a young Italian, who died at the age of 18 from aggressive bone cancer. The name was chosen because her life conveyed the message that it is the “light” of God that conquers the world. She was beatified on Sept 25, 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, who acknowledged her heroic virtues and tireless work for the poor, despite the pain of the disease from which she suffered. Chiara Badano’s feast is celebrated every year on October 29. Translated by Bill Hartnett.

In the fifteen days of prayer contained in this book, the first seven, which describe her human and spiritual journey before the illness, provide a key to her spiritual life. Her faith shines through in days eight through eleven, a clear sign of strength for those who suffer and hope. The final sections, days twelve to fifteen, present another dimension of her spiritual life, the ecclesial and communitarian, which are a necessary corollary of her union with the Crucified-Risen Lord.

“I have come to realize that this very young woman bore witness above all to the beauty of being a disciple of Christ. As such, she kept herself in an attitude of listening, trusting and conforming herself to Jesus the Teacher to the point of becoming similar to him.” From the Introduction

Florence Gillet earned a doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. She has published several studies on the spirituality of unity of Chiara Lubich, including 15 Days of prayer with Chiara Lubich, to be released in 2016.