IFTTT Autopost 
This week’s missionary heroine is a woman whose motto in life was: “I am alone for God.” Her name was Juana Josefa Cipitria y Barriola.
Juana was born on May 31, 1845 in Andoáin, Gipúzkoa, Spain, the oldest of 7 siblings. Her father was a weaver and her mother a housewife. Since she was the oldest, she had to stay home to look after the younger children. When she was old enough, she went to Burgos to work as a domestic worker in different homes to help support the family.
In her youth, Juana witnessed social problems that were caused, in part, by the Industrial Revolution. Juana was determined to be part of the solution to some of the social problems she encountered.
Fortunately, he met a Jesuit priest, Father Miguel José Herranz, who advised her how she could serve others. With his guidance, she started a series of educational and charitable programs.
On Good Friday, March 26, 1869, she reported that he had experienced a vision of Jesus. And on December 8, 1871, she co-founded the Daughters of Jesus with five other women. She assumed the name Cándida María de Jesús.
The initial purpose of the new congregation was to educate poor children and promote women in Salamanca. Later, the order expanded its mission and it is now found throughout the world. The diocesan bishop of Salamanca approved the order on April 3, 1873, and Cándidda made her solemn profession on December 8, 1873.
Because Sister Cándida was influenced by a Jesuit priest, the congregation treasured the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Pope St. Pius X approved the order in 1913 after Cándida’s death. In 2005, the order had 114 houses around the world.
Cándida María de Jesús was canonized on October 17, 2010. Her feast is on August 9. Saint Cándida María de Jesús is a patron saint of educators and of the Daughters of Jesus.
