Saint 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 | 1st century Naples |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Feast | September 4 |
| Patronage | Naples, Dining Clubs |
Candida the Elder (Italian: Candida la Vecchia) (died 78 AD) was a supposed early Christian saint and resident of Naples, Italy.
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.[1] The woman was cured of an illness by Peter and converted to Christianity.[2] She was baptized by Peter and later converted Aspren, the first bishop of Naples, to Christianity.[3]
She is one of the patron saints of Naples. Basil Watkins says she probably never existed. Her name has been deleted from the revised Roman Martyrology.[4]
