Blessed Francisca De Paula De Jesus Isabel

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.

Despite never receiving a formal education and not being able to read or write, Francisca led a remarkable life as a lay person in the diocese of Campanha, Brazil. She chose to live a life of poverty and celibacy, following in the footsteps of anchoresses of the past. In Baependi, Brazil, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to the construction of a church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Francisca's unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to construct the church demonstrated her strong faith and love for Mary. Her impoverished circumstances did not deter her from this mission; instead, they became a testament to her reliance on divine providence.

Throughout her life, Blessed Francisca De Paula De Jesus Isabel lived in close communion with God, seeking guidance through prayer and contemplation. She embraced a life of solitude and simplicity, choosing to live like a hermit, detached from worldly distractions. By doing so, she sought to deepen her relationship with God and serve as an inspiration to others.

Despite living a secluded life, Francisca became renowned for her holiness and was highly revered by those who knew her. Her humble and selfless service to the church and the community of Baependi earned her the nickname "Nha Chica," which was an affectionate term used to address elderly women in the region.

After her passing on June 14, 1895, in Baependi, Brazil, Francisca was buried in the very church she had helped construct. Interestingly, at the time of her burial and again when her tomb was opened in 1998, a strong smell of perfume was reported, adding to the mystique surrounding her life and sanctity.

Recognition of Blessed Francisca De Paula De Jesus Isabel's heroic virtues came on January 14, 2011, when Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed her venerable. This acknowledgment confirmed her exceptional holiness and the impact she had on the lives of those who encountered her.

On May 4, 2013, Pope Francis beatified Francisca, declaring her as Blessed. The beatification ceremony was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Amato at the Santuário Nossa Senhora da Concei√ßão in Baependi, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This formal recognition by the Church signifies that she is now to be venerated by the faithful as a blessed intercessor.

Blessed Francisca De Paula De Jesus Isabel, in her life of simplicity, poverty, and dedication to God and Mary, continues to inspire people around the world. Her legacy serves as a testament that holiness can be manifested through a life devoted to prayer, selflessness, and unwavering faith.