Today we are joined by Anne, a student at the University of Michigan. She’s a junior, and has a part-time job as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

We share the story of Chiara Petrillo, who was born in Rome, in 1984, and died on June 13, 2012, at the age of 28.

After marrying Enrico, she had three children—Maria, Davide and Francesco—, two of which died shortly after they were born. The third one, Francesco, lived, but Chiara had been diagnosed with cancer and died one year after his birth. During that last year of her life, she was able to meet Pope Benedict XVI and tell him her story.

Chiara is not yet a canonized saint, but she is in the process of being considered for canonization. She’s an amazing example of a holy woman, and a great inspiration to many in the world.

We talk about her faith in God, her trust in Divine Providence, her love for the life of a child in the womb, and her absolute denial to perform an abortion on her three children. We also speak about one of her spiritual legacy, especially through a phrase she used as an inspiration, “piccoli passi possibili”, which means “small possible steps.” In our language we could say “baby steps!”, or “one step at a time.”

Below you will find a prayer to ask for graces through her intercession.

Here are some useful links:

News Story on Chiara: 'A saint for our times' – the inspiring story of Chiara Corbella Petrillo (catholicnewsagency.com)

Video of Chiara herself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbHpCJ8AfUY&t=290s

Video of Enrico Petrillo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElQXbiRHySg

Enrico Petrillo’s witness at St. Peter’s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeCsuSKVKa8

Book to read: https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/chiara-corbella-petrillo

If you wander IF it is correct, or WHY we pray through the intercession of the saints, please read this article (it is available in audio format as well!): Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints? | Catholic Answers

PRAYER to ask for graces through Chiara’s intercession:

God, you are infinitely good

and have, in your great mercy,

chosen Chiara as your beloved daughter.

With wisdom you have guided her

on the path marked out by the Gospel,

and taught her, through Mary,

to treasure Your Son with a

passionate love in her heart

and to follow Him as bride and mother

with unshakeable trust in the way of the cross.

May the light of the Gospel of Christ,

which shines in Chiara,

rekindle the confidence of eternal life

in the hearts of our brothers and sisters.

Through her intercession grant us the grace

that we are asking You and, if it is Your will,

let Chiara be proclaimed blessed,

for our good and for the glory of Your Name.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen. (With ecclesiastical approval)

- Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order.

- Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- This Podcast’s Website: https://www.forcollegecatholics.org

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat) preached by the Priests of Miles Christi, visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

- Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.

- Intro music from pond5.com