Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, the world’s oldest person, captured the hearts of many with her incredible journey that spanned 116 years. On a fateful day in Porto Alegre, Brazil, this extraordinary woman breathed her last, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in history books.
Born on June 8, 1908, in the picturesque city of San Francisco de Asís in Rio Grande do Sul state, Sister Inah’s life was nothing short of remarkable. Her early years were marked by fragile health, but this did not deter her indomitable spirit. At just 16, she embarked on her religious path at a Teresian school in Santana do Livramento before briefly residing in Montevideo.
It was at the tender age of 26 that Sister Inah took her vows as a nun and began a lifelong commitment to serving others. Through her role as a teacher and secretary with the Teresian Sisters, she touched countless lives and inspired those around her with unwavering faith and dedication.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her long life, Sister Inah remained steadfast in her belief that God held the key to longevity.
“He is the secret of life. He is the secret of everything,”
she once remarked when asked about her remarkable journey.
A devout supporter of Sport Club Internacional (Inter), Sister Inah had a deep passion for football and artistry. Her love for barbecue gatherings brought joy to those who had the privilege of knowing her. These simple pleasures intertwined seamlessly with her profound spirituality, creating a tapestry of experiences that defined her existence.
In 2018, Pope Francis bestowed upon Sister Inah an apostolic blessing—an acknowledgment of her unwavering devotion to God and service to humanity. This recognition underscored the profound impact she had made during her lifetime.
As news of Sister Inah’s passing spread far and wide, tributes poured in from all corners of the globe. The Congregation of the Teresian Sisters of Brazil expressed their gratitude for Sister Inah’s dedication and devotion:
“On this day, may the resurrection embrace Sister Inah Canabarro… We give thanks for [her] infinite love.”
Her death certificate cited
“multiple organic dysfunction”
as the cause—a poignant reminder of life’s fragility despite enduring strength. With Sister Inah’s departure from this world came a shift in titles; Ethel Caterham from Surrey now proudly holds the mantle as the world’s oldest living person at 115 years and 252 days.
Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas may have bid farewell to this earthly realm, but her spirit lives on through memories shared by those who knew and loved her. Her story serves as an emblem of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination—a beacon of hope for generations to come.
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