World’s oldest nun dies at 110 years
Sister Candida Bellotti, thought to be the oldest nun in the world who, died recently on 3 June aged 110. Earlier this year, Pope Francis had sent Sister Bellotti a special greeting when she celebrated her 110th birthday on 20 Feb.
Pope Francis’ message said “To the Reverend Sister Candida Bellotti, Sister Minister of the Sick, who with gratitude to God is celebrating her 110th birthday, the Holy Father Francis spiritually participates in the joy we all share for this happy occasion and sends warm congratulations and heartfelt wishes.”
When asked for her advice, Sister Bellotti used to tell everyone “Love, love and love still more, with joy.” She had a special message for young people: “Have confidence in the future, and strive to the utmost to accomplish your desires.
The Italian nun was born in 1907 in the province of Verona in Italy. She belonged to the Congregation of San Camillus de Lellis, which observed the 150th anniversary of the death of its founder, Blessed Maria Domenica Brun Barbantini, in May.
Sister Candida Bellotti was 30 years older than Pope Francis. Her life spanned ten pontiffs: Pius X (1903-1914), Benedict XV (1914-1922), Pius XI (1922-1939), Pius XII (1939-1958), John XXIII (1958-1963), Paul VI (1963-1978), John Paul I (1978), John Paul II (1978-2005), Benedict XVI (2005-2013), and Pope Francis (2013- ).
ACN Malta
