FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions
It is obviously possible to do it independently at any time (taking into account that in winter the weather conditions are not always optimal). The Foundation, in agreement with the Bishop, the Pastor and with the town’s institutions, is responsible for organizing a witness session for individuals and groups on behalf of those who knew Chiara directly. It is also committed to keeping in touch with the Parish and with the Municipality of Sassello. To book, you must complete the appropriate form for the witness session, specifying the chosen period, the number and types of people expected, your arrival and your stay. Only in this way will the witness session be guaranteed (duration: 45 minutes/1 hour approximately). For those wishing to participate in a Holy Mass in Chiara’s Parish (Church of the “Holy Trinity”), you can let us know so as to check the availability of the pastor, Don Enrico Ravera.
We ask each group to provide a voluntary financial contribution to cover the transportation costs that the witnesses will have to face to reach Sassello; any surplus will be added to a fund to be used for the creation of a permanent multimedia exhibit that is being organized in Sassello. All of this will obviously be verifiable in an absolutely transparent way in the budget of the Foundation itself.
There are many requests for private talks or visits with Chiara’s mother. With some regret but without exception Maria Teresa will not be able to attend the witness talks in Sassello or those of the various places where she is invited. The requests for prayers and the intentions of each can be sent through the contact page of the site; in this way, you will be able to continue following everything firsthand.
It is good to remember that Blessed Chiara’s bedroom is not a museum, but it is still part of Chiara’s mother’s private home. For now, the provisions on distancing and safety do not allow for visiting. If health guidelines allow, the house will be open to those who wish to visit it on the occasion of the Liturgical Feast on October 29, but on no other occasion.
First of all, we wish to highlight that the Church considers “relics” only and exclusively parts of the body (or sacred objects that have come into direct contact with it); in any case, it prohibits any form of marketing. Any other material cannot in any case be an object of devotion. Having said that, we would like to add that every story of holiness is unique and unrepeatable, and as such it is always characterized by its own style distinguished by its own specific way of expressing itself. Anyone who has known Chiara knows how far her way of being was from devotional forms of this type, especially regarding her person. Therefore, there are no relics of Blessed Chiara Badano (of any class), nor will they exist in the future. In this sense, those who want to be really close to her should know that in our opinion no object is necessary to deepen their relationship with her: with the exception of prayer, the intimate language of the heart, and above all, sharing the same ideals of life. The same ethical principle prompted parents to make a firm decision not to allow forms of marketing that use Chiara’s name or image for profit. Similarly, the family members recommend, during visits to the family chapel where Chiara rests out of her own will, to respect its decor without depositing objects, even small ones, rather devolving the equivalent in works of good of any kind. A box for small notes is placed on the external door, where you can leave your own thoughts.
If you need material concerning Blessed Chiara Badano, on this site you can download the image with Chiara’s prayer and the brochure for personal use. For the publication of Chiara’s photos it is essential to send the request to the Foundation’s email while awaiting verification of the editorial context (including social media) for the necessary authorization, which will arrive in writing and must be kept. For other requests, one may contact the Foundation directly via email. If deemed useful, it is also possible to contact the Foundation’s trusted graphic designer (stefano@bressistudio.com) to create flyers or other graphic works endorsed by the Foundation’s registered trademark.
To deepen Chiara’s life, the official source is the volume published by the Foundation, Nel mio stare il vostro andare. Vita e Pensieri di Chiara Luce Badano, San Paolo Edizioni, Città Nuova, 2019; also published in English (In my staying is your going. Life and thoughts of Chiara Luce Badano, New City Press) and Spanish.
Since she was a little girl, Chiara Luce Badano made her own every aspect of the spirituality of Chiara Lubich, as well as the values and the spirituality of the Focolare Movement, which she founded in 1943. To learn more you can access the sites: www.centrochiaralubich.org or www.focolare.org.
For the experience gained over the years all over the world, we suggest that the presence of one or more direct witnesses of her life be included in the event program (requests may be sent directly to the Foundation’s e-mail address fondazione@chiarabadano.org). A few days before her death Chiara Luce said: “Mom, after I have left for Heaven, you will write the experience that we have lived and you will present it to others.” Witnesses are available in this sense – only if invited, as suggested at the time by the promoter of the Cause, Msgr. Maritano – for this type of participation, respecting Chiara’s wish in pure spirit of service. It is the responsibility of the Foundation to update the Petitioner of the Cause on the scheduled events
First, it is essential to state clearly that it is a work ‘FREELY INSPIRED BY’ Chiara Luce Badano’s story. It is also imperative that you not involve real people (as characters in a scene or quotes) – whether they are the parents or friends – unless previously consulted. In general, it would be preferable – rather than telling the story and the events of Chiara’s life (it is better for the direct witnesses to do so), that you express the effects of Chiara’s life on the existential choices of those who decided to take it as a model today. This way, the narrative appears authentic and legitimate, and not just merely reporting facts. We think this is also the best way to emphasize that Chiara is more alive than ever today and she continues to inspire the lives of many. This seems like Chiara’ “style”, to “take the torch and continue to run”….
Anyone can contribute to the Foundation through its Chiara Badano account (IBAN IT26 X033 5901 6001 0000 0019 687 – BIC: BCITITMX – Banca Prossima SPA- via G. Badano 29/2 17046 Sassello SV). To offer assistance or collaboration, one must signe up by submitting the appropriate form, thus becoming a Participating Member of the Foundation as “Chiara’s Friend”.
For a Memory of Life, the Foundation is creating a Digital Archive of Chiara’s writings and photos. The Foundation is also working on the creation of a permanent exhibit-museum on Chiara Badano to be created in Sassello, which will become one of the privileged opportunities to make Chiara known to anyone who wishes. Once inaugurated, the contents and organization of this exhibit can be requested for reproduction in a reduced form abroad.
