Description

Oil Dedicated to St Candida Maria de Jesus

The St Candida Maria de Jesus is dedicated to the 19th century founder of the Daughters of Jesus. Under Jesuit direction from her spiritual director.  Involved with the education of children in Salamanca.  Subsequently, this expanded during her lifetime.

Her Early Life

Born in Berrospe, in the Basque region of Spain. Her father  a weaver, and the poor family.

At a young age, she went to Burgos to help support the household.  She worked there as a domestic servant in various homes. Candida affected by  the poor conditions that she witnessed.  The place undergoing the social effects of the Industrial Revolution.

The Jesuit priest Miguel José Herranz advised her on her path ahead.  At his advice she started a number of charitable and education programs.  Candida believed that she experienced a vision of Jesus Christ on 26 March 1869 on Good Friday. On 8 December 1871 alongside five companions, she founded the Daughters of Jesus.  Also, she assumed the religious name: “Cándida María de Jesús”.

Candida becomes a religious

Candida founded the congregation for the education of children and the advancement of the women in Salamanca. Also, the congregation received diocesan approval from the Bishop of Salamanca on 3 April 1873. On 8 December 1873 she made her solemn profession.

Candida based her spiritual principles and practices on the Spiritual Exercises. Father Herranz collaborated with her as she wrote the constitutions for the order.  The order received the decree of praise from Pope Leo XIII on 6 August 1901. Eventually, it received full papal approval from Pope Pius X after her death in 1913. Juana a contemplative religious and immersed in God.  She spent long hours before the tabernacle.  There she became serene even in trials and suffering.

St Candida’s Death

At 67 years old Candida recalls that, as a religious, there not a time that she did not spend in the service of God. During the afternoon of 5 August 1912, Mother Candida fell very ill. The news of her health spread all throughout Salamanca.

Mother Candida, along with her student, Antonia Bandres, beatified on 12 May 1996. Her Canonization on 17 October 2010.