Candida the Elder (Italian: Candida la Vecchia) (died c. AD 78) was a legendary early Christian saint and resident of Naples, Italy, who is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church[1] and Roman Catholic Church, with a feast day on 4 September.

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.

[2] The woman was cured of an illness by Peter and converted to Christianity.

[3] She was baptized by Peter and later converted Aspren, the first bishop of Naples, to Christianity.

[4] Candida Xu, an influential Chinese woman from the 17th century, was named after her[5] Basil Watkins says she probably never existed.[who?]