Blessed Alexandrina Maria Da Costa

Biography

Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa, also known as Alexandrina of Balasar, was a remarkable laywoman and mystic from the diocese of Braga, Portugal. Born on March 30, 1904, in Balasar, Oporto, Portugal, she grew up in a devout Catholic family and received religious education from her pious mother on their family farm.

At the age of 14, Alexandrina faced a traumatic experience when she jumped out of a window to escape from a potential rapist. Although she survived the fall, she suffered serious injuries that left her paralyzed at the young age of 19. From that point forward, she remained bedridden for the rest of her life.

Despite her immobility, Alexandrina devoted herself entirely to a life of prayer and suffering, offering her pain for the salvation of souls. She became a member of the Salesian Cooperators, an association of laypeople associated with the Salesian order.

As a mystic and visionary, Alexandrina experienced profound mystical experiences and spiritual ecstasies. During the years from 1938 to 1942, every Friday, she underwent an extraordinary phenomenon known as the "Friday Ecstasy." During these moments, she overcame her paralysis for a brief period, miraculously getting out of bed and reliving the Passion of Christ for approximately three hours. Afterward, she would collapse again, returning to her state of immobility.

Deeply devoted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Alexandrina petitioned Pope Pius XII to consecrate the world to this sacred heart. Her request was granted, and on October 31, 1942, the pope performed the consecration as she had requested.

For the last thirteen years of her life, Alexandrina also had the gift of inedia, which means she lived solely off daily Communion, not consuming any other food or drink.

On October 13, 1955, Alexandrina Maria da Costa passed away in her hometown of Balasar, Oporto, due to natural causes. She was 51 years old. Her life was recognized for its extraordinary holiness, and on January 12, 1996, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable, acknowledging her heroic virtues. Later, on April 25, 2004, Pope John Paul II beatified her, recognizing her as a Blessed of the Catholic Church.

Today, Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa is remembered and venerated for her unwavering faith, her commitment to prayer and suffering, and her profound union with Christ's Passion. She serves as an inspiration for all who face physical or spiritual hardships and provides a powerful example of how to offer one's suffering for the redemption of humanity. Her feast day is celebrated on October 13th.