Maria Candida of the Eucharist

Maria Candida of the Eucharist, OCD (16 January 1884 – 12 June 1949) was an Italian Discalced Carmelite. Barba desired to become a nun in her adolescence but her parents forbade this and she was forced to wait two decades to realize her dream; she entered the order after her parents died, though she alienated her brothers in the process. They refused to ever see her due to their resentment of her decision. Barba became a noted member of her convent in Ragusa and she served as prioress. Her devotion to the Eucharist was a focal point for her spiritual thinking and her own life. Pope John Paul II beatified Barba in Saint Peter's Square on 21 March 2004.