Teresa Candamo Álvarez-Calderon

Upon returning to Peru, Teresa de la Cruz Candamo began teaching catechism and organizing charitable works. She gathered a group of companions, nicknamed "the little sisters" (las hermanitas). Despite the prejudices of the aristocracy and initial reluctance, she persevered with the spiritual support of Father Luigi Tezza. On February 24, 1919, she received official authorization to found the Congregation of the Canonesses of the Cross (Canonesas de la Cruz), which was canonically erected on September 14, 1931. The work is centered around the liturgy and catechesis: religious education, social action for vulnerable people, leading spiritual retreats, and providing support in hospitals and prisons. Under her leadership as Superior General, the congregation expanded into Peru, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Albania, and Italy.

Teresa de la Cruz Candamo passed away in Lima on August 24, 1953, at the age of 78, offering her life for souls, her congregation, and priests. Her remains rest in the Mother House in Santa Beatriz (Lima). Her reputation for holiness led to the opening of her cause for beatification in Lima. The diocesan inquiry process opened on April 29, 1980, and closed on December 12, 1980. The validity of this process was decreed by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on October 9, 1992, and the Positio was subsequently submitted for examination by the Vatican.

On April 3, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues, conferring upon her the title of Venerable. For her beatification, the examination of a miracle is required. A file concerning an unexplained healing that occurred in Luzpampa (Lajas district, Chota province, Peru) is the subject of a diocesan inquiry, officially launched on February 22, 2020, by Bishop Fortunato Pablo Urcey. This process is currently under examination by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

The spirituality of Teresa de la Cruz Candamo is rooted in the mystery of the Redemption and the Cross, seen as a source of active love and solidarity. She taught the offering of daily sufferings in union with the Passion of Christ. Her legacy is perpetuated through the Canonesses of the Cross. In tribute, the municipality of San Borja (Lima) inaugurated a park in her name (Parque Teresa de la Cruz Candamo), and her original room has been transformed into a museum within the Mother House in Lima.