Candida the Elder
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Candida the Elder (Italian: Candida la Vecchia) (died c. AD 78) was a legendary early Christian saint and resident of Naples, Italy, who is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church[1] and Roman Catholic Church, with a feast day on 4 September. She is one of the patron saints of Naples.
Naples, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman Catholic Church
Candida the Elder | |
|---|---|
Luca Giordano, The Patron Saints of Naples (Baculus, Euphebius, Francis Borgia, Aspren, and Candida the Elder (kneeling)) adoring the Crucifix, 17th century. Palazzo Reale, Naples. | |
| Virgin | |
| Born | Naples |
| Died | c. AD 78 Naples, Italy, Roman Empire |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church Roman Catholic Church |
| Feast | 4 September |
| Patronage | Naples, Dining Clubs |
Biography
According to her legend, Candida was an elderly woman who hospitably welcomed Peter the Apostle, when he was passing through Naples on his way to Rome.[2] The woman was cured of an illness by Peter and converted to Christianity.[3] She was baptized by Peter and later converted Aspren, the first bishop of Naples, to Christianity.[4]
Candida Xu, an influential Chinese woman from the 17th century, was named after her[5]
