This week marks the end of the diocesan stage in the beatification process of Chiara Corbella, an Italian mom who refused cancer treatment to safeguard her unborn child, a critical step towards her possible canonization as a saint.
Chiara Corbella Moves Closer to Sainthood
The last session for the diocesan phase of Corbella's beatification process was held on June 21 at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, the seat of the Diocese of Rome.
During this session, the findings from a comprehensive inspection of her life, virtues, and reputation for holiness were presented. Born in 1984, Corbella met her husband Enrico during a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in 2002. They married in Assisi in 2008.
After discovering her first pregnancy involved severe birth defects, which tragically claimed the life of their daughter Maria Grazia Letizia shortly after birth, Corbella faced another difficult pregnancy with her son Davide Giovanni, who also had serious malformations and passed away soon after birth in 2010.
Despite consequent health difficulties, including a cancer diagnosis during her third gestation, Corbella delayed medication until after giving birth to her healthy son, Francesco, in 2011. Dreadfully, she passed away of cancer in 2012 at the age of 28 and is buried alongside her children in Rome.
Corbella's decision to prioritize her children's lives over her medication accumulated extensive recognition of her exceptional holiness. In 2018, the Diocese of Rome started her cause for beatification, declaring her a Servant of God and initiating an inspection of her life and virtues.
The closing of the diocesan phase, overseen by Bishop Baldo Reina and other officials, reaffirms Corbella's sacrificial love and faith.
Her story resonates in Italy, where declining birth rates have become a concern, echoing similar sacrifices made by other women like Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, who was canonized for refusing treatment for a tumor to safeguard her unborn child.
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In their early years together, they tragically lost two children, Maria Grazia Letizia and Davide Giovanni, both born with incurable disabilities and who died shortly after birth.
Despite receiving terminal diagnoses during pregnancy, Chiara chose to carry each child to term, embracing their lives as precious and not to be eliminated.
Their son Francesco, born in 2010 and initially healthy, brought brief joy before Chiara was diagnosed with cancer. She underwent surgery to remove a tumor but, as the cancer spread, she faced increasing challenges with speech and vision.
Despite this, she maintained a joyful spirit, even after learning of her terminal condition in April 2012, as depicted in a poignant photo with an eye patch.
Chiara passed away on June 13, 2012, surrounded by loved ones at home, wearing her wedding gown. Her funeral drew hundreds, reflecting the impact of her life and message.
Her husband Enrico emphasized that Chiara's greatest message to the world is her relatability as a beloved child of God, not merely a figure of heroism or sanctity.
Bishop Reina, speaking after the diocesan process, highlighted Chiara's profound trust in God's plan, as guided by Revelation 3:7, which shaped her understanding of God as the sovereign author of her life.
Chiara's father, Roberto, expressed gratitude amidst his grief, noting the comfort found in the widespread devotion to Chiara and the recognition of her enduring love.
