Teresa Chicaba

Teresa Chikaba, OP (Ewe: Chicaba or Chicava; c. 1676 – 6 December 1748) was an African princess captured by Spanish traders and brought to Spain, where she was enslaved. She later gained freedom and became a Dominican. A beatification process for her was opened in 1997, and she was titled venerable.

Biography An account written by a priest in 1752, shortly after her death, is the primary source for her biography, based on his interviews with her and on her writings (no longer extant).

Beatification process The process of beatification for Chikaba started in 1997, granting her the title Servant of God. The diocesan inquiry on the virtues was opened on 26 February 2001 (date of the first session) and was closed in 2003. On 17 February 2006 the juridical validity of the diocesan inquiry was recognized by the Dicastery of the Causes of Saints.