Faith, Resilience, and a Century of Grace: Meet the World’s Oldest Person – Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, 116

At 116 years old, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas has etched her name in history, not just as the world’s oldest living person but also as a beacon of faith and resilience. Born on June 8, 1908, in São Francisco, Brazil, her life is a remarkable testament to enduring grace, purpose, and unwavering dedication to her faith.

As the youngest child of a modest family, Inah’s survival was once doubted. “I was so small and frail,” she shared with the Guinness Book of Records, “my parents weren’t sure I would see my teenage years.” Yet, from her earliest days, Inah displayed a quiet strength that would carry her through over a century of profound change and personal transformation.

The Early Years of Faith

At just 16, Inah embarked on a journey that would define her life. She entered Santa Teresa de Jesus boarding school, where she nurtured a deep spiritual connection. This journey soon led her beyond Brazil’s borders to Uruguay, where she courageously took her vows and became a nun, embracing a life of selflessness and devotion.

“In those early years, I learned that faith is not just prayer; it is action, compassion, and an unyielding belief in God’s plan,” she once reflected.

A Teacher of Minds and Hearts

Returning to Brazil in 1930, Sister Inah began her career as a teacher of Portuguese and mathematics in Rio de Janeiro. Her classroom was more than a place of learning; it was a sanctuary of inspiration. Students found in her not just a teacher but a guide who instilled values of discipline, kindness, and perseverance.

Her teaching years were a time of adventure. She traveled extensively, spreading knowledge and building connections across Brazil. For nearly five decades, she dedicated herself to nurturing young minds, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students.

A Quiet Life of Reflection

In 1980, Sister Inah retired to Provincial House in Porto Alegre, where she embraced a quieter life of prayer, reflection, and service. Even in her later years, she remained an integral part of her community, offering wisdom and encouragement to all who crossed her path.

Sister Inah’s longevity has drawn global attention, but her humility remains unshaken. “Age is a gift,” she says, “but it is faith that has sustained me.”

A Legacy of Faithful Living

Sister Inah now holds the title of the second-oldest nun in recorded history, surpassed only by Sister André of France, who lived to 118 before passing in 2023. Like Sister André, Inah’s life is a testament to the enduring power of faith, the strength of community, and the grace of a purposeful life.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, Sister Inah smiled softly. “It is not a secret,” she said. “It is love—love for God, for others, and for the life I have been given.”

A Living Inspiration

Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas represents a bridge between eras, her life spanning two world wars, the advent of the internet, and countless other societal transformations. Yet, through it all, her steadfast faith and unwavering spirit remain a constant reminder of what truly matters: a life lived in service, humility, and grace.

Her story is more than an acknowledgment of her age—it is a celebration of resilience, devotion, and the quiet impact of a life well-lived. As the world honors its oldest living person, we are reminded that it is not the years in one’s life but the life in those years that truly matters.

Sister Inah, with her century of wisdom, is not just a record-holder but an enduring symbol of hope, love, and unshakable faith.