“There is nothing in this world that is yours. It is all a gift on which the ‘Giver’ can intervene when and how he wants. Take care of the gift given to you, make it more beautiful and full for when the time comes.”
Sandra Maria Assunta was born on August 19, 1961, in Riccione, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, to Giuseppe and Agnese Sabattini, as the eldest of 2 children. They lived in the rectory of the church in commune with her uncle who was a priest there. When he was transferred to the parish of San Girolamo, they moved with him.
From early age, she was noted for her faith and would pray early in the mornings and late in the evenings. She often carried a single decade rosary in her small hand. In elementary school, she would be found in contemplation before the tabernacle, even in the middle of the night.
At the age of 10, after receiving her First Holy Communion, she began keeping a journal of her spiritual reflections, thoughts, and prayers.
2 years later, she met Father Oreste Benzi and the Pope John XXIII Community that he founded. They emphasized service to the poorest and weakest of society and she felt a call to join.
At 13, she took a trip to the Dolomites, accompanying and assisting those with disabilities so they could experience the wonders of nature. It left a big impression on her, providing a big drive for her to continue. “We broke our backs, but those are people I will never abandon.”
In high school, she continued to volunteer and assist the poor, including from her own funds, while living in one of the group homes, where members welcomed the marginalized and disabled.
After graduating with excellence, she was torn between leaving immediately to be a missionary in Africa, or starting medical school. With assistance from her spiritual director, she entered the University of Bologna to serve medical missions in Africa.
Illegal drug problems began to plague Italy, and she volunteered at a drug rehabilitation center. She was always hands-on in caring and ready to lend a hand or endure with someone who needed accompaniment.
She had just stepped out of a vehicle on her way to a Pope John XXIII Community meeting when her and a friend were struck by a car. Father Benzi accompanied her in the ambulance, holding her mouth open so she would not suffocate. She was admitted to the hospital and was in a coma for 3 days before dying on May 2, 1984.
Father Benzi was prominent in promoting her cause for beatification.
Stefano Vitali, 40, who was married with 4 children and 3 in foster care, was diagnosed with a stage 4 tumor and massive metastases to all 37 lymph nodes, and given only a few months to live. After Father Benzi spoke with Stefano, he asked the whole community to pray to Sandra to intercede for recovery. Several months later and CT scans confirmed the disappearance of all tumors and he was healed. A medical commission deemed his recovery to be “scientifically inexplicable”.
The Pope John XXIII Community Association which is now international: https://www.apg23.org/
For God’s Glory.
