AUGUST 9 : FEAST OF SAINT CANDIDA
Today we celebrate with joy the life and legacy of St. Candida Maria de Jesus, a woman of broad eyes, unwavering faith and living hope. From the balcony of heaven, we trust that she blesses us and encourages us to continue walking with her same passion for the Kingdom.
During these days of preparation, we went through three invitations to live from hope:
– radical trust in God the Father, source of all hope;
– hope that goes through suffering,
– and service as a grateful response.
Today, on his feast day, we return to a letter, written in Rome in 1902, in the midst of contradictions, fatigue and many uncertainties;
“Our cause is placed in the hands of God. We are Daughters of Jesus. He will defend us from all evil. This is our hope, and we shall not be confounded.”
saint candid – Letter from Rome, september 11, 1902
St. Candida’s hope was neither naive nor evasive, but a radical choice of faith. She placed her bets on God, in the confidence that He leads history, even when it is not clear to us. And this certainty was the soul of her dedication, her joy and her mission.
In this Jubilee of Hope, to celebrate St. Candida is to allow ourselves to be touched by her certainty: God is the one who carries our history forward. He sustains, accompanies and does not disappoint.
Saint Candida Mary of Jesus,
make us women and men of hope
