A cause for the beatification of an extraordinary life

Simona Tronci, a girl in odour of sanctity

Holiness is not denied to young people or reserved to religious, priests and nuns. It's demonstrated by the Simona Tronci's extraordinary life, a girl who died at age of 24, for whom the Church has opened, with the establishment of a special court, the cause for beatification. Holiness is possible at any age and in every condition of life, said the apostolic administrator of Cagliari, Archbishop Mons. Ottorino Alberti, 20 years member of the Congregation of Saints, during the opening ceremony of the informative process, which should gather evidence on Simona's life and works.

Although it is very premature to make judgements, the optimism of the postulator for the cause of beatification of Padre Pio from Pietrelcina, Father Paolino Rossi, who has agreed to perform the same task for the young girl of Cagliari, give us hope. From the reading of the first documents and her biography there's enough to give a positive reply. Obviously the final word at the end of the diocesan survey. Most of all – adds the Capuchin – hit me her love for life. Simona made of her existence a masterpiece offering it to God. True holiness consists in living the ordinary in an extraordinary way..

Born on 13th October, 1960, the third of six children of a married and practising Christian couple, Simona has a normal life: school, catechism and sports in her childhood and adolescence; successfully attends the high school where achieves the grade of 55/60. Considered by the teachers as a studious girl, committed and equipped with a great intelligence. At 17 years old, becomes one of the leaders of the "Primavera Community" of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, initially formed mainly by young people. She was the principal leader – recall her friends and co-founders – she knew how to play and sing, and testified without tiring her of what holy legacy we were involved and recipients. Simona was a teacher for all of us in praying, which intensity made you sink into God.

A normal girl, who makes sports and has a boyfriend that loves so much. In this regard, in her diary writes: Give me, O Lord, to make him understand of what kind of love I love him, talk to his heart so he knows. Only You, can keep us together, if you want, or separate us. But one thing I ask You: guide me in my actions, so that I won't make mistakes..

One day in 1983, while she was successfully attending the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sardinia (one of the first women on the island) arrives the disease: a tumour that in a year, consumes her completely. The drama was only in the body because her spirit was singing. I feel inside me that my life is renewing – writes in her diary – I listen to a certain courage which strengthens me, a new faith that consoles me, a new joy that makes me a tireless witness. Died on 18th April, 1984, Holy Wednesday.

Another aspect that affects Simona – adds the postulator, Father Paolino Rossi – is her way to live pain. When one gets sick, usually tends to isolate himself. Instead she thought to the others, showing interest and love for neighbour so much to define pain the lift to heaven. Finally, another important sign of holiness is to leave behind herself vocational traces. Simona's life - concludes father Rossi - has generated many priestly and religious vocations.

The diocesan court is formed by two ecclesiastic lawyers, the priests Gianfranco Zuncheddu, Gesuino Prost, the promoter of justice, general vicar of the diocese, Gianni Spiga, two notaries: Dante Usai and Luca Venturelli. The postulator relies on the collaboration of two vice: Giovanni Delogu (Nuoro Diocese) and father capuchin Beppe Pireddu.

Mario Girau, La Nuova Sardegna, 25th August 2003