Marta Bellavista
Photo:www.scrittidimarta.it I Want Everything
by Marta Bellavista, ed. by Emanuele Polverelli (Itaca Edizioni, Castel Bolognese, Italy, €15.00; contact e-mail: info@itacalibri.it)
This is a collection of writings by a truly remarkable person.
Marta Bellavista was born in Cesena in Emilia-Romagna in Italy on October 19, 1983. After classical studies she attended the Catholic University in Milan, where she was an active member of the Communion and Liberation community. who it is said, “are motivated by an interest first in themselves and their own happiness, and then in a desire to share this experience with others”.
Following her graduation, she embarked on further studies. However, these were interrupted when she was diagnosed with cancer.
Operation
After an operation she regained her health. She returned to her studies and completed the requirements for an MA degree. The subject of her dissertation in the history of art was the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
She secured a teaching appointment in Gallarate in 2008. Bringing total commitment to the classroom and her charges, she was greatly loved by her colleagues and her students.
Unfortunately, however, her teaching career was drastically curtailed as the cancer returned and she died in 2010.
A sunny personality with a zest for life, Marta brought joy and happiness into the lives of her friends and many others besides.
Hers was an intensive spiritual life in which she was totally committed to Christ and his teaching. The transformative effect she had on her friends was attested to by Francesco, one of her friends at the University in Milan.
Friend
On the occasion of his ordination he recalled: “I was deeply loved by Marta. She was a friend. At a certain moment she became ill with a tumour and she offered her life for me. She showed me that ‘giving one’s life for one’s friends’ is possible and beautiful.”
Marta was an inveterate ‘scribbler’. She left a substantial body of writings. These included letters, emails, diary entries, reflections, prayers and transcripts of conversations and phone calls.
Friends of Marta were convinced that a selection of these writings could have a transformative influence on those reading them, similar to that which Marta during her life had on those with whom she socially interacted.
Hence this very worthwhile publication, the contents of which remind one of the authentic spirituality one finds in St Francis de Sales’ The Introduction to the Devout Life and Thomas á Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ.