Born in Italy in 1884 to Sicilian parents, Maria Barba’s father was a judge. From the time she was a child, she had a longing and love for the Eucharist. Her desire for the Eucharist was so strong that she would greet her mother’s return from daily Mass by saying “I want God too!”, and her mother would breathe on her. Her vocation for the Eucharist began in earnest after receiving it for the first time, and though she quickly decided she wanted to be a Carmelite, opposition from her family forced her to wait until she was 35. She took the name Maria Candida of the Eucharist, quickly became prioress of the convent, and was reconfirmed prioress five more times. Before she died in 1949, she authored three books, including, Eucharist: True Jewel of Eucharistic Spirituality.
CHALLENGE
Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist had the grace to realize that the source and summit of the Catholic faith is the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival in the United States is a movement to renew the understanding and devotion to the Eucharist, and parishes around the country are involved in bringing a renewed devotion to the most Blessed Sacrament. Today, contact your parish and see how you can get involved in spreading the devotion.
Forwarded this email? Don’t miss tomorrow! Sign up today and get The Saint Challenge delivered to your inbox!
Have you checked out the Saint In Progress podcast?
The weekly show delves into issues of faith that everyone deals with on their journey home to the Father’s house.
