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Feast Day: June 12
Birth: January 16, 1884
Death: June 12, 1949
Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist, also known as Maria Barba and Maria Candida dell'Eucharistia, was born on 16 January 1884, in Catazaro, Italy. She was the daughter of Pietro Barba, an appellate court judge. Raised in Palermo, Sicily, Maria had a deep spiritual life from a very young age. She made her first Communion at the tender age of 10 and developed an intense devotion to the Eucharist, which would shape her entire life.
At the age of 15, Maria felt a strong calling to religious life. However, her family, though pious, opposed her vocation, and she was unable to follow it at that time. It wasn't until she turned 35 that Maria could finally answer the call she had felt for so long. On 25 September 1919, she entered the Discalced Teresian Carmel at Ragusa, Italy, taking the religious name Maria Candida of the Eucharist.
Eucharistic devotion became the cornerstone of Maria Candida's spiritual journey. She would spend long hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, seeking union with Christ. This profound relationship with the Eucharist not only nourished her own soul but also inspired her to share her experiences and insights with others.
During her time as Prioress of her Carmel from 1924 to 1947, Maria Candida made great strides in promoting devotion to Saint Teresa of Jesus and her Rule within her Order. She also played a significant role in expanding the Carmel in Sicily, ensuring that more souls could be influenced by the spirituality of St. Teresa and the Eucharist.
Blessed Maria Candida authored a small but impactful book titled "The Eucharist." In this work, she described her personal experiences and shared her theological meditations related to the Eucharist. Her writings contributed to the understanding and deepening of the spiritual practice of Eucharistic devotion.
After a life dedicated to prayer and service, Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist passed away on 12 June 1949, due to natural causes. Her profound holiness and contributions to the spiritual life of her Carmel and the Church were recognized and venerated by Pope John Paul II, who declared her venerable on 18 December 2000. Later, on 21 March 2004, Pope John Paul II beatified her, acknowledging her as a model of holiness and an intercessor for those seeking a deeper connection with the Eucharist.
Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist's life serves as an inspiration to all believers, reminding us of the immeasurable grace and power found in the sacrament of the Eucharist and the profound union we can attain with Christ through devotion and prayer.