From Aspiring Carabiniere to Nun

On March 19, Sr. Chiara Franco, a member of the Little Handmaids of the Sacred Heart congregation, shared her inspiring vocation story with us. Born in Sapri, Italy, she initially aspired to join the Carabinieri and have a family. However, a transformative spiritual experience during a trip with her fiancé led her to reconsider her future and seek a deeper purpose. Her journey was further guided by her involvement in Lourdes pilgrimages, where she helped sick children and met a sister from her congregation, who accompanied her in discernment process.

At the age of 18, after much prayer and reflection, Sr. Chiara decided to pursue a religious vocation and began her formation with the congregation. She made first religious profession on December 8, 2024, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. During her visit as Sedes Guest, she spoke with great passion about her apostolate among youth and adolescents, sharing the joy and fulfillment she finds in serving others. Her warm and joyful personality made a lasting impression on all of us, and it was a true blessing to have her with us.