(ZENIT News / Porto Alegre, 01.10.2024).- Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian Teresian nun, has achieved an extraordinary milestone, becoming the world’s oldest living person at 116 years and 210 days. Her story, marked by resilience, faith, and quiet service, has captured global attention following the confirmation of her record on January 4 by LongeviQuest, an organization dedicated to documenting human longevity.
A Remarkable Journey of Faith and Survival
Born on June 8, 1908, in São Francisco de Assis, Brazil, Sister Inah’s early years were anything but promising. Doctors believed she wouldn’t survive infancy due to her frail health. However, defying all odds, she has lived through two world wars, the advent of electricity in her hometown, and the rise of modern Brazil. Sister Inah attributes her longevity to her unwavering faith and devotion to prayer, particularly the rosary, which she is often seen holding in photographs.
Her journey as a nun began in 1924 at age 16 when she joined the Santa Teresa de Jesús boarding school in Santana do Livramento, Brazil. A decade later, she took her vows in Montevideo, Uruguay, before returning to Brazil to dedicate her life to education. Teaching Portuguese and mathematics in Rio de Janeiro for decades, she later transitioned to a quieter life at the Casa Provincial in Porto Alegre in 1980.
A Steadfast Presence in Modern Challenges
Despite her age, Sister Inah remains connected to the world around her. During her 116th birthday celebrations in June 2024, Porto Alegre was grappling with devastating floods that displaced thousands. Even as she faced health challenges, Sister Inah stayed attuned to the plight of her neighbors, offering prayers that brought solace to her community.
Her nephew, Cléber Canabarro Lucas, highlighted the power of her spiritual presence, saying, “Her prayers are powerful. Knowing that Sister Inah was praying for everyone brought comfort to people during these difficult times.”
Though her physical abilities have diminished—she struggles with hearing, vision, and mobility—Sister Inah’s spirit remains vibrant. According to her family, medical examinations revealed no specific illnesses, with her frailty attributed solely to her advanced age.
A Legacy of Longevity and Faith
Sister Inah’s longevity places her among a rare group of supercentenarians—individuals aged 110 or older—and marks her as the last known survivor born in 1908. Her life of devotion and service has also earned recognition from the highest levels of the Catholic Church. In 2018, she received an apostolic blessing from Pope Francis for her 110th birthday.
She stands as the second-oldest nun in recorded history, following France’s Sister André, who passed away in 2023 at 118 years and 340 days. Sister Inah is also one of only three living individuals verified to have been born in the first decade of the 20th century.
A Life Rooted in Simplicity and Joy
Beyond her religious devotion, Sister Inah has remained a dedicated supporter of her local football team, Sport Club Internacional. Her connection to the sport, much like her life, reflects her humility and connection to community. “Football is for everyone—rich or poor,” she once said in an interview.
Today, Sister Inah lives a peaceful life at a Teresian convent in central Porto Alegre.
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