Brazil Farewells Its Oldest Nun Cherishing Life and Soccer
Brazil’s oldest resident, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, passed away at 116. A devoted nun and fervent football fan, she leaves behind a story of unwavering faith, a love for Sport Club Internacional, and an unshakable routine shaped by discipline.
Early Faith and Lifelong Devotion
Born on 8 June 1908 in Rio Grande do Sul, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas sensed a religious calling from her youth. She entered a boarding school at 16, then joined the Teresian Sisters in her twenties. Throughout her long life, she taught Portuguese and mathematics to young pupils across Brazil, extending kindness and guidance well beyond the classroom. In her niece’s words, “She was always calm and patient, even while juggling demands.” Despite her humble beginnings, Sister Inah eventually became a prominent figure, drawing the attention of Pope Francis, who blessed her in 2018.
Over the decades, she called several convents and religious homes her own, eventually settling in Porto Alegre. Fellow Teresian nuns recall her modesty, warmth, and endless capacity for gratitude; according to Sister Rita Fernandes Barbosa—who supervised the religious community—Sister Inah credited “Him above” for her remarkable age. She had no major surgeries except for cataract removal at 106, defying expectations of frailty for many years. Even as her hearing and sight faded, she insisted on maintaining her daily schedule of meals, prayers, and rest.
Love of Team and Routine
A committed fan of Sport Club Internacional, Sister Inah often wore scarves and T-shirts proclaiming her loyalty to the Porto Alegre club. The family said her room had many pillows. The pillows had the team’s emblem. On birthdays, she ate cake – that cake was shaped like the well-known Beira-Rio stadium. Upon her death, the football organization shared a tribute on social media. It spoke of her giving nature, her modest attitude, plus her lasting zeal for life.
Family members describe her unwavering routine as a key to her well-being. She rose early, said her prayers, and took meals on a predictable schedule. By late afternoon, she would reflect quietly or share stories of teaching and traveling in earlier decades. “She never complained,” said one of her fellow nuns, recalling how Sister Inah always carried a smile. Even at an advanced age, her sense of humor shone; she cheered for her beloved Internacional during big matches, confident in victory.
Becoming the world’s oldest living person earlier this year brought fresh media attention, highlighting Sister Inah’s disciplined habits. Loved ones say her humility remained steadfast, and she found the attention somewhat bewildering. Yet her nephew declared the recognition “a testament to a faithful life of service.” Though she had no chronic illness, her body ultimately “gradually stopped” working, and she passed away peacefully at the Teresian Sisters’ home in Porto Alegre.
A Legacy of Kindness and Discipline
Reflecting on Sister Inah’s story, many in Brazil emphasize her devotion as a prime factor for her longevity. Prayer plus daily mass had an influence on her spiritual views. Teaching helped her mind grow and she became more empathetic. A connection to Sport Club Internacional showed she could feel joy and join with others – it linked her religious life to the common love of football.
In remembering her, Sister Rita underscored the discipline that guided every aspect of Sister Inah’s existence. Whether waking up at the same hour or abiding by a structured routine, she consistently found harmony in daily rituals. “She worked tirelessly, welcomed everyone with open arms, and found delight even in tiny tasks,” Sister Rita recalled. Brazil’s entire Teresian community now pays tribute, remembering a woman who, over a century of life, left behind neither regrets nor complaints, only gratitude.
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As Sister Inah’s journey ends, the global title of “oldest living person” passes to 115-year-old Ethel Caterham in Surrey, England. But for those closest to the nun, her legacy transcends statistics. She showed that a simple, heart-centered life filled with devotion—whether to God, pupils, or football—can buoy one through countless changing eras. In society, many pursue what is new. Sister Inah’s routine did not waver. Her discipline was steady. They show the power of constancy and faith. Loved ones said her final days were peaceful. It was a fitting close. Her life inspired believers – also football fans. Her life connected devotion to spiritual service with the camaraderie felt in football.
