Nun Dies Smiling: Sister Cecilia Maria Photos & Facts About Her

By Budhaditya Bhattacharjee
Morning News USA

Pictures of a nun have gone viral. In the photos, the young Argentinian nun, Sister Cecilia Maria, stayed calm while she was fighting a battle with cancer.

After the photo was posted online, it looked like a volcano erupted on social media. The viral photos were shared by thousands, and heartfelt prayers were made for her.

According to Catholic News Agency, Sister Maria lived in Saints Teresa and Joseph Monastery in Santa Fe, Argentina. She committed to prayer and lived the contemplative life. On June 22, Sister Maria passed away at the age of 43.

She graduated as a nurse at the age of 26. Sister Cecilia Maria made her initial vows as a discalced Carmelite.

It was in 2003 when the young nun made her final profession. She was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue and the disease metastasized into her lungs six months earlier.

While in the photo, she did not show any trace of suffering, her smile inspired several netizens. Many people acted as witnesses to her struggles.

The news of her disintegrating health and “her reflections” was shared instantly through social media and WhatsApp, said Manila Bulletin. The publication also noted that Pope Francis was also following her situation.

“And Sister Cecilia Maria, a discalced Carmelite, knew about everyone’s prayer,” reported Aleteia.

She wrote her last wish on a piece of paper. There she said that she was thinking about how she would like her funeral to be.

“First, some intense prayer and then a great celebration for everyone. Don’t forget to pray but don’t forget to celebrate either!” Sister Maria said.

The discalced Carmelites announced her death by saying that after an excruciatingly painful illness, Sister Cecilia Maria was always full of joy, and thus, finally she surrendered to her “Divine Spouse.”

“Jesus! Just two lines to let you know that our dearly beloved sister gently fell asleep in the Lord,” said the discalced Carmelites.

website: www.morningnewsusa.com