Alexandrina Maria da Costa
Alexandrina Maria da Costa, known as Blessed Alexandrina of Balazar, was a Portuguese mystic and victim soul. She is recognized for her profound spiritual life, offering her suffering for the salvation of souls, and was beatified by Pope John Paul II.
Key Facts
- ›Alexandrina Maria da Costa was born on March 30, 1904, in Balazar, Portugal.
- ›At 14, she suffered a broken spine when jumping from a window to escape an attempted rape, leading to gradual paralysis.
- ›She remained bed-ridden for approximately 30 years, from 1925 until her death.
- ›From March 1942 until her death, she reportedly received no food except the Holy Eucharist.
- ›In 1944, she joined the Association of Salesian Cooperators, offering her suffering for the salvation of souls.
- ›She was declared blessed by Pope John Paul II on April 25, 2004.
Blessed Alexandrina of Balazar
Victim Souls, Salvation of Sinners
Salesian Cooperators
Mystic, Victim Soul
About Alexandrina Maria da Costa
Alexandrina Maria da Costa (1904–1955), widely known as Blessed Alexandrina of Balazar, was a Portuguese mystic and victim soul whose life was marked by profound spiritual suffering and devotion. Born in Balazar, a rural parish of Póvoa de Varzim, her early life was challenging, involving abandonment by her father and limited education. A pivotal incident occurred at age 14 when she sustained severe injuries, including a broken spine, while escaping an attempted assault. This event led to progressive paralysis, confining her to bed for approximately three decades.
Life and Spiritual Ministry
From 1925 until her death in 1955, Alexandrina remained bedridden. A notable aspect of her later life, beginning in March 1942, is the claim that she sustained herself solely on the Holy Eucharist for about 13 years, a phenomenon that mystified medical observers. In 1944, she became a member of the Association of Salesian Cooperators. Through her suffering, she offered spiritual support for the salvation of souls and the sanctification of youth, embodying the role of a victim soul.
Beatification and Legacy
Alexandrina Maria da Costa's deep spiritual life and dedication to offering her suffering led to her beatification. On April 25, 2004, Pope John Paul II declared her blessed, stating that her "secret to holiness was love for Christ." Her tombstone bears a poignant message for sinners, urging them to cease offending Jesus and to embrace His love.
Key Facts
- Born March 30, 1904, in Balazar, Portugal.
- Suffered a broken spine at age 14, leading to lifelong paralysis.
- Remained bedridden for about 30 years.
- Reportedly subsisted only on the Eucharist for the last 13 years of her life.
- Became a member of the Association of Salesian Cooperators in 1944.
- Beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 25, 2004.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alexandrina Maria da Costa born?
Alexandrina Maria da Costa was born on March 30, 1904, in Balazar, Portugal.
What led to Alexandrina's lifelong paralysis?
At the age of 14, Alexandrina jumped from a window to escape an attempted rape. This fall resulted in a broken spine and subsequent gradual paralysis, confining her to bed for about 30 years.
What is remarkable about Alexandrina's sustenance later in life?
According to her biography, from March 1942 until her death, Alexandrina reportedly subsisted solely on the Holy Eucharist, with her weight dropping significantly.
What was Alexandrina's spiritual role?
Alexandrina was a Portuguese mystic and victim soul. She joined the Association of Salesian Cooperators in 1944, dedicating her suffering to the salvation of souls and the sanctification of youth.
When and by whom was Alexandrina beatified?
Alexandrina Maria da Costa was declared blessed by Pope John Paul II on April 25, 2004.
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