Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Teresian nun and beloved educator who held the title of world’s oldest living person, died Wednesday in Porto Alegre at the age of 116.
Born on May 27, 1908, in São Francisco de Assis, Brazil, Sister Inah was the great-niece of Gen. David Canabarro, a central figure in the Farroupilha Revolution of the 19th century. She joined the Teresian Sisters in 1927 at the age of 19, entering the novitiate in Montevideo, Uruguay.
According to LongeviQuest, a global research group focused on verifying supercentenarians, Sister Inah was officially recognized as the world’s oldest living person until her passing.
She lived at the Santo Enrique de Ossó Shelter, adjacent to the provincial house of the Teresian Sisters of Brazil, where she remained in prayerful service to the Church and her community. In a March 2024 interview with ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language partner of Catholic News Agency (CNA), Sister Inah revealed the simple yet profound secret to her long life: “praying every day for all the people of the world.”
Over the course of her extraordinary life, Sister Inah witnessed dramatic changes both in society and in the Church. She lived through two world wars, the reigns of 10 popes, and saw the Catholic Church undergo profound transformation, beginning her religious life during the pontificate of St. Pius X.
As a teaching sister, she educated generations of students in Portuguese, mathematics, science, history, art, and religion at Teresian schools in Rio de Janeiro, Itaqui, and Santana do Livramento. In the latter, she became a much-loved figure for her decades of dedication.
Among her notable achievements was the founding of the Santa Teresa School marching band in Santana do Livramento. The band, which boasted 115 musical instruments, performed across Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Sister Inah also helped create the prestigious Pomoli High School marching band in Rivera, Uruguay.
Though deeply rooted in her faith, Sister Inah also had a light-hearted side. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Sport Clube Internacional, a soccer team founded in 1909 when she was just a year old.
With her passing, the title of the world’s oldest person now belongs to Englishwoman Ethel Caterham, born August 21, 1909, according to LongeviQuest.
Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas leaves behind a legacy of faith, education, and joyful service—a witness to the enduring beauty of a life consecrated to God and lived entirely for others.
