Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, widely celebrated as the world's oldest person, died recently at the age of 116 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Born on June 8, 1908, in Rio Grande do Sul, this spirited Brazilian nun had a deep-seated love for football, which she shared through celebratory birthdays featuring cakes crafted in the shape of the stadium of her favorite team, Sport Club Internacional.
Her family revealed that Sister Inah attributed her longevity to her faith, often proclaiming, “He [God] is the secret to life.” In 2018, she received a blessing from Pope Francis, an acknowledgment of her unwavering dedication to the church. Following her passing, the title of the oldest living person will now be held by 115-year-old Ethel Caterham from Surrey, England.
Though she grew frail in her later years, her nephew shared that she had enjoyed good health for most of her life, experiencing no significant illnesses until very recently. Sister Inah passed at the home of the Teresian Sisters, the religious community she was part of, surrounded by the warmth of those who loved and respected her.
Not only devoted to her religious pursuits but also as a passionate football fan, Sister Inah celebrated her life by donning the scarf of Sport Club Internacional on her birthdays and was known to have an extensive collection of team merchandise, showing her commitment to her favorite club. The team expressed their sorrow over her passing, acknowledging her kind nature, unwavering faith, and the love she had for football.
Her living companion, Sister Rita Fernandes Barbosa, mentioned that Sister Inah embodied discipline and sociability, leading a fulfilling, disciplined life, and serving as a beacon of light to those around her. Historically, Sister Inah sought a life of religious service from an early age, joining a religious boarding school at 16 and later teaching Portuguese and mathematics after returning to Brazil in 1930.
As we bid farewell to Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, we remember a life steeped in wonderment, faith, and an ardent love for the game of football, inspiring generations to embrace their passions with similar vigor.
