Candida Maria of Jesus
Cándida María de Jesús, born Juana Josefa Cipitria y Barriola, was a Spanish nun and the founder of the Daughters of Jesus. She is remembered for establishing this religious congregation dedicated to the education of children and the advancement of women. Canonized as a saint in 2010, her order continues to operate internationally.
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›She was born on may 31, 1845, in Andoain, Spain, as the eldest of seven children.
- ›She founded the Daughters of Jesus, a religious congregation, in 1871.
- ›The order was initially involved in the education of children in Salamanca.
- ›Her spiritual principles were based on the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola.
- ›She died on August 9, 1912, and was canonized as a saint on October 17, 2010.
- ›Her motto was: 'I am for God alone'.
Juana Josefa Cipitria y Barriola
Daughters of Jesus
About Candida Maria of Jesus
Cándida María de Jesús
Cándida María de Jesús (born Juana Josefa Cipitria y Barriola on May 31, 1845 – August 9, 1912) was a Spanish nun and the founder of the Daughters of Jesus.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Andoain, Spain, Juana Josefa Cipitria y Barriola was the eldest of seven children. Due to her familial responsibilities, she did not attend school but instead helped care for her siblings. She later worked as a domestic servant, witnessing firsthand the poor conditions resulting from the social effects of the Industrial Revolution. Her spiritual path was guided by Jesuit priest Miguel José Herranz, whom she met in Valladolid in 1868. She reported experiencing a vision of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, March 26, 1869, which led to her inspiration to found a congregation.
Founding the Daughters of Jesus
On December 8, 1871, Cándida María de Jesús, alongside five companions, founded the Daughters of Jesus (Hijas de Jesus). The order was established for the education of children and the advancement of women, initially in Salamanca. The congregation received diocesan approval on April 3, 1873, and she made her solemn profession on December 8, 1873. Her spiritual principles and practices were grounded in the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola, and Herranz collaborated with her in writing the constitutions for the order. The order received a decree of praise from Pope Leo XIII in 1902.
Spiritual Life and Legacy
Cándida María de Jesús was a contemplative religious, known for spending long hours in prayer. Her motto was "I am for God alone." The Daughters of Jesus began their international expansion in 1911 with a mission to Brazil, followed by the Philippines in 1932. By 2005, the order had grown to 1116 religious in 114 houses worldwide.
Canonization
The process for her beatification and canonization began in the mid-20th century. Her spiritual writings were theologically approved in 1961. She was titled Servant of God in 1978 and Venerable in 1993 by Pope John Paul II. The miracle required for her beatification was approved by Pope John Paul II, who beatified her on May 12, 1996. A second miracle was necessary for her canonization, which was approved by Pope Benedict XVI. Cándida María de Jesús was canonized as a saint on October 17, 2010.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cándida María de Jesús born?
Cándida María de Jesús was born on May 31, 1845.
What religious order did she found?
She founded the Daughters of Jesus, also known as the Hijas de Jesus.
What was the primary mission of the Daughters of Jesus?
The congregation was founded for the education of children and the advancement of women.
When was she canonized as a saint?
Cándida María de Jesús was canonized as a saint on October 17, 2010.
What were her spiritual influences?
Her spiritual principles and practices were based on the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola, and she was spiritually directed by Jesuit priest Miguel José Herranz.
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