Candelaria of San José
Candelaria of San José, born Susana Paz-Castillo Ramírez, was a Venezuelan Catholic religious sister and founder of the Carmelite Sisters of Venezuela. She dedicated her life to aiding the sick and needy, founding her religious order in the midst of epidemics and conflicts. Her beatification in 2008 was a significant event, being the first celebrated on Venezuelan soil.
Key Facts
- ›Susana Paz-Castillo Ramírez was born on August 11, 1863, in Guárico, Venezuela.
- ›She assumed household responsibilities after the deaths of her parents in 1870 and 1887.
- ›In 1903, she became the director of the San Antonio hospital and tended to the ILL during epidemics and conflicts.
- ›On September 13, 1906, she took a religious habit and the new name Candelaria of San José.
- ›She founded the Sisters of the Poor of Altagracia de Orituco on December 31, 1910.
- ›Her beatification was celebrated on April 27, 2008, in Venezuela.
Susana Paz-Castillo Ramírez
Carmelite Sisters of Venezuela, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance
Founder, Religious Sister, Caramelite
About Candelaria of San José
Candelaria of San José, born Susana Paz-Castillo Ramírez on August 11, 1863, was a Venezuelan Catholic religious sister and the founder of the Carmelite Sisters of Venezuela. Her life was marked by a profound dedication to serving the sick and the poor, a calling that intensified after the loss of her parents and led her to establish a religious congregation.
Life and Service
Susana Paz-Castillo Ramírez was born into a devout family in Guárico, Venezuela. She assumed significant household responsibilities following the deaths of her father in 1870 and her mother in 1887. By 1900, she felt a strong inclination to assist those in need within her community. This commitment solidified in 1903 when she became the director of the newly founded San Antonio hospital. Throughout her life, she ministered to the ill during various epidemics and conflicts that arose.
On September 13, 1906, with the authorization of the local bishop, she adopted a religious habit and took the name Candelaria of San José. Her founding of the Sisters of the Poor of Altagracia de Orituco occurred on December 31, 1910, with the profession of its first six members. She later led an eighteen-month financial campaign to support the congregation's endeavors and made her perpetual vows on December 31, 1916. As Superior General, she traveled extensively to secure resources, establishing new communities and two hospitals, including the Hospice for the Abandoned on Isla de Margarita and another in Upata. Despite facing difficulties, the congregation was aggregated to the Carmelites on March 25, 1925, following Candelaria's petition. She continued to serve as mistress of novices even after stepping down as Superior General in 1937, while enduring a painful illness.
Beatification and Legacy
The process for Candelaria of San José's beatification commenced on June 19, 1980. She was declared venerable by Pope John Paul II on April 19, 2004, after the confirmation of her heroic virtue. A miracle attributed to her intercession was approved by Pope Benedict XVI on July 6, 2007. Her beatification ceremony took place on April 27, 2008, in Venezuela, a significant event as it was the first beatification celebrated on her home soil, attended by thousands and presided over by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins.
Candelaria of San José died in the early dawn of January 31, 1940. Her life's work in founding and guiding the Carmelite Sisters of Venezuela and her tireless service to the sick left a lasting impact on the Church in Venezuela.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Candelaria of San José?
Candelaria of San José, born Susana Paz-Castillo Ramírez, was a Venezuelan Catholic religious sister. She is best known for founding the Carmelite Sisters of Venezuela.
When and where was Candelaria of San José born?
She was born on August 11, 1863, in Guárico, Venezuela.
What prompted Candelaria of San José to dedicate herself to helping others?
The deaths of her parents in 1870 and 1887 led her to assume household responsibilities. By 1900, she felt called to aid those in her community, which she began in earnest in 1903 as the director of a hospital.
When was Candelaria of San José beatified?
She was beatified on April 27, 2008. This was the first beatification ceremony to be held on her native soil in Venezuela.
Who presided over her beatification?
Cardinal José Saraiva Martins presided over the beatification ceremony on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.
What religious order did Candelaria of San José found?
She founded the Carmelite Sisters of Venezuela, also known as the "Carmelites of Mother Candelaria".
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