Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Writers
Blessed Sandra Sabattini
Laywoman († 1984) Feast: May 4
Sandra’s uncle was a priest, and she grew up in his parish rectory in Riccione, Italy, along with her devout parents and a younger sibling. When she was a little girl, she charmed adults by walking around with a rosary in one hand and a doll in the other. She loved to pray, particularly before the Blessed Sacrament, and she began to keep a diary of her daily life and spiritual thoughts at the age of ten.
Sandra was twelve years old when she met Oreste Benzi, a priest who founded the Pope John XXIII Community and who particularly helped teens grow in their faith. Sandra became very involved in this community and volunteered at a youth summer camp for those with disabilities.
When she was seventeen years old, she met a young man at one of the community’s parties. They became engaged, and Sandra entered medical school at the University of Bologna, hoping to serve as a missionary doctor in Africa. While walking to a community meeting one day, the twenty-three-year-old was struck by a car. She died in the hospital three days later. Her spiritual diary was posthumously published, and the story of her spiritual journey has inspired adults and teens ever since, particularly as a reminder to treasure the great gift of life.
Eternal God, thank you for the gift of life and for showing us how to express our love for you.
