A Witness to Joy

A Witness to Joy

by Simone Troisi & Cristiana Paccini

Review by Maria Twigg

Last year, a dear friend of mine shipped me a copy of this book with the simplest endorsement, “This book changed my life.” I was carrying a child with an unfavorable prenatal diagnosis and a strong awareness that, without a miracle, the child in my womb would not live. In the midst of tremendous suffering, I found comfort, companionship, and guidance in the words, example and witness of Blessed Chiara Petrillo. As I read this book, I certainly struggled with how to carry my own cross with joy – that certainly was a special gift of Blessed Chiara. However, it was through her witness that I was able to find beauty in my cross and, in doing so, I was able to glorify God through my suffering.

So, why this book? In the words of Chiara’s husband, Enrico Petrillo, “This book exists simply to give witness to the one who wishes to open his heart to the reality that God is good and that one can die happy.” Blessed Chiara is truly a witness to joy. Furthermore, she is an example as to how one can carry a cross beautifully, rather than begrudgingly, and in turn recognize that it is through the cross that we will come to know God, feel the immense power of His love, and desire to be with Him for eternity. Never has a book so profoundly affected me – I invite you to open your heart and embrace Blessed Chiara’s Witness to Joy.