Cagliari, toward the altars a girl of 24 years old

Simona died in 1984, in her life has given an example of holiness in daily life. The informative process has opened the diocesan phase of the cause for beatification

Holiness is not denied or reserved only to the young religious or consecrated people. It's demonstrated by the extraordinary life of Simona Tronci, a girl who died at age of 24, for whom the Cagliari's Church opened yesterday, 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, the Archbishop Mons. Ottorino Pietro Alberti, during the opening ceremony of informative process, which will gather all the evidence oral and written about Simona's life and work. From the reading of the first documents and her biography there's enough to give a positive reply – says the postulator of the cause for beatification of Padre Pio from Pietrelcina, the Capuchin Father Paolino Rossi, who has agreed to perform the same task for the young girl of Cagliari. Obviously the final word at the end of the diocese survey.

Born on 13^th October, 1960, the third of six children, Simona has a normal life: school, catechism and sports in her childhood and adolescence; successfully attends the high school. Considered by teachers studious, committed and equipped with a great intelligence. At 17 years old, becomes one of the animators of the "Primavera Community" of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, originally formed mainly by young people. Simona has a boyfriend of whom she writes in her diary: Give me, O Lord, to make him understand of what kind of love I love him, talk to his heart so he knows.

One day in 1983 while she was successfully attending the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sardinia (one of the first women to devote herself to theology in the island), arrives the disease: a tumour that in a year, consumes her completely. 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. Died on 18^th April, 1984, Holy Wednesday.

Another important aspect in Simona – adds the postulator, Father Paolino Rossi – is her way to live pain. Despite the illness 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.

Mario Girau, Avvenire, August 19^th, 2003