Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a name that resonates with faith, dedication, and a deep love for football. She was no ordinary woman; in fact, she held the title of the world’s oldest person at the age of 116 before her recent passing. Born on June 8, 1908, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Sister Inah’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary.
As a young woman in her early 20s, Sister Inah found her calling in the Catholic Church and became a nun. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering throughout her long and eventful life. One might wonder what fueled her remarkable longevity – well, according to Sister Inah herself, it was all thanks to God. She once said that
“he [God] is the secret to life,”
attributing her health and vitality to her strong belief.
But Sister Inah wasn’t just known for her religious devotion; she had another passion that set her apart – football. A die-hard fan of Sport Club Internacional from Porto Alegre, she celebrated each birthday with a cake shaped like the stadium of her favorite team. Imagine the joy on her face as she blew out the candles year after year surrounded by symbols of her beloved club.
Her family fondly recalls how she marked her 116th birthday draped in the scarf of Sport Club Internacional. It wasn’t just scarves though; Sister Inah had an impressive collection of team shirts and even pillows adorned with the club’s logo. Football wasn’t just a sport for Sister Inah; it was a part of who she was – ingrained in every fabric of her being.
Despite reaching such an incredible age, Sister Inah remained remarkably healthy for most of her life. Her nephew mentioned that although she didn’t suffer from any specific illnesses, old age eventually caught up with her as her body slowly began to fail. She spent her final days in Porto Alegre at a residence owned by the Teresian Sisters.
One can only imagine what stories those walls could tell – tales of laughter, prayer, and undoubtedly some spirited discussions about football matches past. Sister Rita Fernandes Barbosa shared insights into Sister Inah’s daily routine towards the end – simple yet comforting rituals that brought structure to each day: eating meals at fixed times punctuated by moments devoted to prayer and rest.
Discipline seemed to be one key factor contributing to Sister Inah’s long life according to those who knew her well. Whether it was through diligent work or maintaining social connections within their community; discipline played its part in shaping this remarkable nun’s journey.
In reflecting on Sister Inah’s legacy after becoming the world’s oldest person following Tomiko Itooka’s passing at 116 years old earlier this year…
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