Sr. Inah Canabarro Lucas, the world's oldest living person, passed away at 116 after a life dedicated to faith and service. Sr. Inah spent nearly a century in religious life, teaching mathematics and living a life of prayer and humble service. Her secret to longevity was her deep faith and trust in God, which she credited for her long and fulfilling life. Even in her final months, Sr. Inah continued to pray for others, demonstrating her lifelong compassion and dedication.
15 days ago
Sr. Inah Canabarro Lucas, the world's oldest living person, passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 116 1. She dedicated nearly a century to religious life, serving as a Teresian Sister and teaching mathematics 1. Born in Brazil in 1908, Sr. Inah felt a calling to serve God from a young age 1.
Sr. Inah attributed her remarkable longevity not to genetics or diet, but to her unwavering faith in God 1. She often said, "He is the secret of life. He is the secret of everything," viewing each extra year as a gift from the Lord 1. Even in her final months, she prayed for others, especially the victims of a flooding tragedy in southern Brazil 1.
Simplicity and gratitude marked Sr. Inah's long life 1. She found joy in simple pleasures, such as her love for soccer and the Internacional team 1. In 2018, she received a special Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis, a testament to her lifelong fidelity 1.
Sr. Inah's story is reminiscent of Sr. André, another long-lived nun who also attributed her longevity to God's grace 1. Both women exemplified lives rooted in prayer, service, and simplicity 1. Their lives demonstrate that aging gracefully is about how one lives those years, with God as the true "secret" to a life well-lived 1.
The passing of the oldest living person, especially one who leaves behind a legacy of faith, can be viewed through a Catholic lens as both a moment of sorrow and a celebration of a life lived in accordance with God's will.
The virtues of faith, hope, and charity are central to a Christian life . These virtues guide believers toward God and shape their actions in the world .
Personal witness is essential for making Christ present in the world . More than external words, it is through personal witness that the mission of consecrated life is realized .
Old age should not be viewed as a passive expectation of calamity but as a promise-filled approach to full maturity . It is a time to deepen one's spiritual life through prayer and service to others in charity . The elderly can continue to contribute their time, talents, and experience to the service of others, preserving their capacity to enjoy life as God's gift .
Faith and charity are interconnected, with each requiring the other . Faith without charity is without fruit, and charity without faith is subject to doubt . Christians dedicate their lives to those who are lonely, marginalized, or excluded, recognizing the face of the risen Lord in those who ask for love .
Earthly life, while beautiful, is not the ultimate value . The twilight of life can be seen as a passage between the joy of this earth and the fullness of joy that the Lord holds for his faithful servants .
The death of the oldest living person with a legacy of faith is a reminder of the importance of faith, hope, and charity in living a Christian life. It is an invitation to see old age as a time of spiritual growth and service, and to recognize that earthly life is a preparation for eternal life with God.