Sirmione to Host Ceremony Honoring Venerable Benedetta Bianchi Porro
On January 23, 1964, Benedetta Bianchi Porro passed away in Sirmione. Next Sunday, in the Church of Santa Maria della Neve, in the historic center of the town, a solemn ceremony will be held with the presence of Father Antonio Rosso of the Capuchin friars, who was tasked by the Curia to collect testimonies about Benedetta during her beatification process.
The young woman from Sirmione, who died at only 27 years old, has already been proclaimed on December 23, 1993, recognizing her “heroicity of virtues.” The beatification process is currently underway, followed by the canonization process.
Thus, on Sunday, Sirmione will remember with an 11:30 AM Mass the extraordinary life of young Benedetta, whose figure is “studied” and presented as an example in many theology courses in various seminaries, particularly in the Diocese of Verona, which includes Sirmione in its jurisdiction.
Signs of recognition and dissemination of Benedetta’s example
Dozens of writers and philosophers have written about her, including Rocco Buttiglione. Two years ago, during an episode of “Il rosso e il nero” hosted by Michele Santoro, he took the occasion to recall the heroism of this girl who, despite being torn apart and tormented by unspeakable sufferings in her bed at her home on Grotte Street in Sirmione, found the strength to comfort other sick people or those facing family issues.
In short, Benedetta knew how to live pain as a mystery of love and a source of grace. Many, moreover, were inspired by her and found hope. This is why, under the strong impetus of Mrs. Anna Cappelli from Forlì, the process of canonization for Benedetta Bianchi Porro has been initiated.
Among the many testimonies collected so far, which of course remain confidential, there are reports of conversions, genuine “rethinkings” about the faith, and a return to the Church — and these are not few.
Origins and suffering of Benedetta
Benedetta was born in Dovadola, in the province of Forlì, on August 8, 1936. In 1951, she moved to Sirmione because her father, engineer Guido Bianchi Porro, was the director at the Thermal Baths. During this period, the first symptoms (deafness and atrophy of the legs) of a very serious disease appeared.
Years spent between beds in various hospitals, enduring immense suffering, a true Calvary, during which Benedetta always found moments to think of others. These testimonies were lovingly collected later by her mother, Elsa Giammarchi, who is still alive, and later also by Anna Cappelli.
Her only means of communication with the world were a whisper and the sensitivity of a hand, through which she perceived signals on her body and face through conventional signs.
Then, 36 years ago on January 23, Benedetta drew her last breath in front of her mother Elsa. Her remains were later transferred to the cemetery in Dovadola and subsequently to the local abbey. A large reception house is now being built there: an investment of over 1.8 billion lire is planned, to be raised through donations and contributions.