St. Candida Maria de Jesús

What is the real name of St. Candida Maria de Jesús?

Juana Josefa Cipitria y Barriola.

When and where was she born?

May 31, 1845, in Andoain, Spain.

What kind of family was she born into?

A poor but deeply religious family.

What was her work before becoming a nun?

She worked as a domestic helper.

What inspired her to serve God?

Her strong faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

What did she hear while praying before the statue of Mary?

God’s call to found a new congregation.

What congregation did she found?

The Daughters of Jesus (Hijas de Jesús).

When and where did she found it?

On December 8, 1871, in Salamanca, Spain.

What was the main mission of her congregation?

To educate children and youth, especially the poor, in faith and love.

What was her motto or guiding principle?

“Where there is no room for the poor, there is no room for me.”

What virtues did St. Candida show in her life?

Faith, humility, charity, perseverance, and obedience.

When did she die?

August 9, 1912.

When was she canonized as a saint?

October 17, 2010, by Pope Benedict XVI.

What is her feast day?

August 9.

What is the main lesson we learn from her life?

To serve God faithfully through love, education, and helping the poor.