Sister Nadia Gavanski, 82, a nun of the Sisters Servants of Immaculate Mary, was murdered at her monastery in Ivaí, Paraná, Brazil. According to the outlet, a photographer who was at the monastery for an event spotted the man shortly after the attack. Upon questioning, he claimed to work there, but his agitated behaviour and blood-stained clothes raised suspicion. Authorities called law enforcement, who quickly identified and detained the man, already known for prior offences.
Officials reported that the man admitted to killing Gavanski, stating he had consumed drugs and alcohol and heard voices instructing him to commit murder. He allegedly pushed the nun, causing her to fall, and inserted fingers into her mouth, causing asphyxiation. Investigators are analysing whether sexual assault occurred. Police charged him with aggravated homicide.
The incident shocked the local Ukrainian Brazilian population, prompting residents to gather outside police stations and attempt to lynch the accused. Church officials, including Bishop Meron Mazur, praised Gavanski as a humble and devoted servant who lived a life of prayer, cared for the convent’s hens, and supported her community. She joined the congregation in 1971, and her sisters remembered her for steadfast faith, quiet dedication, and unwavering piety.
Mazur urged residents to pursue peace and mercy despite the tragedy. He highlighted that Gavanski lived a life of faith and selfless service, inspiring her sisters and the local faithful even after the tragedy. The community took to social media to mourn her death and celebrate her decades of devoted work and positive impact on the residents.
Crux reported that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s leaders visited the convent to comfort sisters and pray, reaffirming the message of forgiveness in the face of violence.