A twentieth-century mystical figure, Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa endured great suffering but maintained an exemplary faith that bound her to Jesus and Our Lady.

Her life

She was born in Portugal, in Balasar near Porto and in the Archdiocese of Braga, on March 30, 1904. She came from a poor family and was raised as a Christian by her mother. She went to work in the fields and had a strong constitution and a lively, cheerful temperament. She was a young girl with a long road ahead of her when a dramatic episode turned her entire life upside down.
To escape the intentions of a man who had entered her home to rape her, she threw herself from the window. The consequences were tragic, although not immediate: her condition progressively worsened until, at the age of 19, she became completely paralyzed. Over time, mystical phenomena began.
From April 14, 1925, she will never get out of bed again for the rest of her life, living this way for thirty years.

The offering of suffering and mystical gifts

At first, Alexandrina does everything she can to recover. She asks God in prayer for the grace of health, but when she understands that her mission is suffering, she willingly accepts her calvary and lives it with a smile on her lips until her death.
In her little room, she receives and comforts many people despite the excruciating pain. The first mystical phenomena begin: she has daily conversations with Jesus and Mary and begins a life of profound union with Jesus in the tabernacles: “Jesus, you are a prisoner in the tabernacle, and I am in my bed by your will. We will keep each other company.” From 1938 to 1942, every Friday she experiences the sufferings of Jesus’ Passion.

From March 27, 1942 onward, Alexandrina eats and lives solely on the Eucharist. She is sustained by a profound devotion to Our Lady. In the autumn of 1955, she feels that the end of her life is near. Shortly before she dies, she says: “I am happy because I am going to heaven.” It is October 13, the anniversary of Our Lady’s last apparition at Fatima. After her death, the local florists sold all the white roses they had, all purchased in her honor.

Jesus' promises

On February 25, 1949, Jesus said to Alexandrina: “My daughter, my dear bride, see that I am loved, consoled, and given reparation in my Eucharist. Say in my name that I promise heaven to all those who receive Holy Communion worthily, with sincere humility, fervor, and love on the first six consecutive Thursdays, and spend one hour in adoration before my tabernacle in intimate union with me. And to honor my holy wounds through the Eucharist, honoring first the wound of my sacred shoulder, which is so little remembered.”

“Those who, when remembering my wounds, also remember the sufferings of my blessed Mother and ask me for both spiritual and bodily graces for their sake, have my promise that they will be granted, unless they are harmful to their souls. At the moment of their death, I will take my most holy Mother with me to defend them.”

“Have courage. I am with you,” Jesus says to Alexandrina. Let us feel these words addressed to us as well and imitate the example of the Blessed woman, who shows us the way to remain always united with Jesus.

Prayer to Blessed Alexandrina

Blessed Alexandrina, 
who offered your sufferings 
with love and complete trust in Jesus, 
teach us to live our difficulties
with the same serenity and surrender
to the will of God.
You, who found strength in the Eucharist 
and lived in deep union
with Jesus and Mary, 
help us seek comfort in prayer
and in the sacrament of the altar.
Intercede for us, so that we may
face daily challenges with courage,
knowing that even in moments of pain
we can unite ourselves with Christ in his Passion.
Blessed Alexandrina, 
pray for us 
and guide us toward peace of heart. 
Amen.

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