Italian Catholic nun, Sister Anna Maria of the Sacred Heart, who regularly shares Gospel reflections on YouTube, turned 106 on March 14. According to Italian newspaper Il Giorno, Sister Anna Maria has lived 36 years of her life in a cloister and belongs to the Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament congregation. Astonishingly, the elderly nun, well-advanced in age, daily participates in Holy Mass and Eucharistic adoration even during the night. She also assists in the care of other elderly and sick nuns in her convent.
According to Il Giorno, Sister Anna Maria battled bronchopneumonia and scurvy in childhood and miraculously survived despite a poor prognosis. However, her desire for a contemplative life was fulfilled only when she turned 70 and was accepted at the Adorers’ monastery in Genoa after several attempts. Referring to her late vocation, Sr. Anna Maria said in a video shared by the community, “When it is God who desires something, it will always come to pass.”
In the video, Sister Anna Maria stated that the love of Jesus motivated her to do many things for others. According to this wise religious, it is faithfulness and love that keep the heart young. To experience a “serene,” old age, it is necessary to keep “eyes and souls open to what is beautiful, good, and true,” advised the nun.