Blessed Isabel Cristina

Isabel Cristina Mrad Campos (29 July 1962 – 1 September 1982) was a Brazilian Catholic laywoman. She served as a Vincentian in her parish, although she never formally joined the movement. In her spare time, she devoted herself to faith. She was often seen doing Eucharistic adoration and attending Mass. She wanted to study medicine and become a pediatrician to take care of underprivileged children, but was murdered in her apartment after an attempted rape. Her beatification process began on 26 January 2001. On 27 October 2020, Pope Francis approved the beatification, which was held on 10 December 2022. She is the first martyr of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Isabel Cristina Mrad Campos was born on 29 July 1962 in Barbacena to José Mendes Campos and Helena Mrad. Her baptism was celebrated on 15 August in the local parish church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Barbacena; she received her confirmation on 22 April 1965 in the Basílica São José Operário and her First Communion on 26 October 1969 at the school of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Mrad Campos, affectionately known as "Cris", studied at the Immaculata College that the Vincentian Sisters managed, becoming known for her kindness and for her above-average intelligence that set her apart from her peers. During this time, she often helped the poor or the old, providing them with food or other essential supplies. During this period, she joined the Young Vincentians which came under the umbrella of the main group. Her goal in life was to become a pediatrician to care for poor children, also hoping to do this in Africa. On 15 August 1982, she relocated to Juiz de Fora alongside her brother Roberto to a small rented apartment that was located near the church and school where Mrad Campos was to take her medical entrance examination. Upon moving in, she immediately began cleaning it and purchasing new furnishings.