Candida the Elder
Candida the Elder was a legendary early Christian saint and resident of Naples, Italy. According to tradition, she hospitably welcomed Peter the Apostle, was cured of an illness by him, and subsequently converted to Christianity. She is remembered for her conversion and for later converting Aspren, the first bishop of Naples.
- Feast Day
- September 4
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Candida the Elder was a legendary early Christian saint from Naples, Italy.
- ›She is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church.
- ›Her feast day is observed on September 4.
- ›She is considered one of the patron saints of Naples.
- ›According to legend, she welcomed Peter the Apostle and was healed and converted by him.
- ›She is said to have converted Aspren, the first bishop of Naples.
Candida la Vecchia
About Candida the Elder
Candida the Elder, also known as Candida la Vecchia, is a legendary early Christian saint associated with Naples, Italy. She is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, with a feast day observed on September 4. Within Naples, she is recognized as one of the city's patron saints.
Biography and Legend
The hagiography of Candida the Elder recounts her as an elderly woman who demonstrated hospitality towards Peter the Apostle during his journey through Naples on his way to Rome. According to the legend, she was suffering from an illness, from which she was healed by Peter. This miraculous healing led to her conversion to Christianity. Following her conversion, she was baptized by Peter. The legend further states that Candida later played a role in the conversion of Aspren, who became the first bishop of Naples.
Historical Context and Existence
Despite her veneration, the historical existence of Candida the Elder is questioned. Scholar Basil Watkins has noted that she probably never existed. Reflecting this doubt, her name has been removed from the revised Roman Martyrology, which is an official catalogue of saints recognized by the Catholic Church.
Veneration
Candida the Elder is commemorated liturgically on September 4. Her association with Naples and her legendary role in early Christian evangelization in the region contribute to her continued, albeit legendary, veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Candida the Elder?
Candida the Elder was a legendary early Christian saint who lived in Naples, Italy. She is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
What is she most remembered for?
She is chiefly remembered for hospitably welcoming Peter the Apostle, being cured of an illness by him, and converting to Christianity. She is also credited with converting Aspren, the first bishop of Naples.
When is her feast day?
Her feast day is celebrated on September 4.
Is her existence historically confirmed?
According to Basil Watkins, she probably never existed, and her name has been deleted from the revised Roman Martyrology, suggesting her historical existence is doubted.
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