Three weeks ago, in Italy, an extraordinary young Italian woman was beatified: Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro. Truly a saint for our time — especially for young people who suffer from chronic or progressively debilitating illnesses and all those who care for them, specifically doctors — you will not regret getting to know her.

Benedetta was born in Forli, Italy, on Aug. 8, 1936. When she was very young, she contracted polio, which left her crippled. An intelligent and happy child, she began keeping a diary at the age of 5. At age 7 she wrote, “The universe is enchanting! It is great to be alive.” As a teenager, she began to go deaf, but despite this, she entered medical school where she excelled, taking oral exams by reading the lips of her professors.