Catholic Saints

Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa (1904–1955) was a Portuguese mystic known for her deep suffering, unwavering faith, and devotion to the Eucharist. After a traumatic injury left her paralyzed at the age of 19, Alexandrina embraced her suffering as a way to unite with Christ’s passion. She became known for her extraordinary spiritual experiences, including living solely on the Eucharist for the last 13 years of her life. Her life inspires people to trust in God’s love, even in the midst of unimaginable trials.

Faith in Action Story:

Alexandrina’s life took a dramatic turn when, at the age of 14, she jumped from a window to escape an attacker. Although the jump saved her purity, it left her with injuries that progressively paralyzed her. By the age of 19, she was completely bedridden. While she initially prayed for physical healing, Alexandrina later accepted her suffering as a way to share in Christ’s passion, offering her pain for the salvation of souls.

Her courage and faith deepened as her condition worsened. For over 30 years, Alexandrina remained in her bed, yet her room became a place of pilgrimage. People came from far and wide to seek her counsel and prayers. She became known for her extraordinary devotion to the Eucharist, which sustained her physically and spiritually. For the last 13 years of her life, Alexandrina consumed no food or water—only the Eucharist.

Her resilience and unwavering trust in God turned her suffering into a source of hope for others. Alexandrina reminds us that limitations don’t define our ability to make an impact. In the face of challenges, she shows us the power of embracing what we can control—our faith, attitude, and willingness to serve.

Interactive Exercise:

• Reflection: Reflect on a time when circumstances felt completely out of your control. How did you respond? What can Alexandrina’s trust and resilience teach you about finding purpose in difficulty?
• Challenge: This week, focus on turning one challenge into an opportunity to help someone else. Like Alexandrina, let your response to difficulty inspire others.

Interesting Notes:

• Alexandrina lived on the Eucharist alone for 13 years, a phenomenon that astonished medical professionals who observed her closely.
• She experienced intense mystical visions of Christ’s passion and often relived His sufferings spiritually.
• Pope Pius XII called her a "victim soul," recognizing her unique vocation to suffer for the conversion of sinners and the sanctification of the world.
• Alexandrina’s last words were, “I am happy, because I am going to heaven.”

Prayer:

Blessed Alexandrina,
You embraced your suffering with courage and trusted completely in God’s will.
Teach us to offer our challenges to God,
Uniting them with His plan for salvation.
Pray for us that we may grow in faith, hope, and love.
Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.