Venerable Francisca De Paula De Jesus Isabel

Blessed Francisca De Paula De Jesus Isabel

Also known as: Nha Chica; Nhá Chica of Baependi

Blessed

Post-Congregation

Feast Day

14-Jun

Born

1810 in São João del Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Died

14 June 1895 in Baependi, Minas Gerais, Brazil of natural causes; entombed in the church she helped build; the smell of perfume reported at her tomb at the time of burial and again when it was opened in 1998

Beatified

4 May 2013 by Pope Francis; beatification recognition celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Amato at the Santuário Nossa Senhora da Conceição em Baependi, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Venerated

14 January 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI (decree of heroic virtues)

Biography

Blessed Francisca De Paula De Jesus Isabel, also known as Nha Chica or Nhá Chica of Baependi, was born in 1810 in São João del Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil. She experienced a tragic loss at a young age when her mother passed away when she was only 10 years old. In the midst of her grief, Francisca turned to the Blessed Virgin Mary for solace and guidance. This deep devotion to Mary would shape her entire life and spirituality.

Cause for Canonization

Beatified

Beatified2013-05-04 by 4 May 2013 by Pope Francis; beatification recognition celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Amato at the Santuário Nossa Senhora da Conceição em Baependi, Minas Gerais, Brazil