Sister Dulce: history, curiosities and prayer for the first Brazilian saint

At the age of 13, before becoming a nun, Maria Rita de Souza Brito Lopes, the Sister Dulce, already welcomed needy people in their own home. His residence became a care center for homeless and sick people, known as “The San Francisco Ordinance”.

At the age of 19, she became a nun and, at the same time, Maria adopted the name Dulce to honor her mother who died when she was only 7 years old.

In 1933 she became a teacher and joined the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of Godin Sergipe.

Over time, she was in charge of teaching at a school in Salvador. However, according to NGO Sister Dulce Social Works (OSID), her greatest interest was in helping people in need. Therefore, in 1935, the nun began to assist a community in Alagoas and assist workers in Bahia. Two years later, Sister Dulce founded the Círculo Operário da Bahia and later opened a public school for workers and their children.

In the convent where she lived, she sheltered about 70 patients in the chicken coop. Later, the place was turned into a hospital. She worked hard to promote an educational centre, a hostel and a pavilion for the disabled within the hospital, among other charitable projects.

She became so famous for helping others that she was introduced to the Pope John Paul IIwhen he visited Brazil in 1980. He died in March 1992 due to respiratory problems, but, before leaving, he received a visit from the Pope again.

Today, the NGO OSID, created by her, has become a large health unit, with completely free care and receives millions of patients a year. Her day is celebrated on August 13, as a way of remembering her deeds.

Check out 6 facts about Sister Dulce

1. She was proclaimed as the first saint born in Brazil

For her total dedication to the poor, recently, the nun was proclaimed as the first saint born in Brazil. The canonization ceremony was held at the Vatican on October 13, 2019 by Pope Francis. Now, she is recognized as the Santa Dulce of the Poor.

2. Health problems

Sister Dulce was in very poor health due to pulmonary emphysema, a respiratory problem that resulted in her death. She suffered a lot, but still, she always did her best to help those in need.

3. Relationship with the number 13

Number 13 has always been present in your life. She was baptized on December 13, 1914. She started helping people at age 13. On August 13, 1933, she received the religious habit. She died on March 13, 1992. She had an enormous devotion to Saint Anthony, who receives tributes on June 13. And finally, she was canonized on October 13, 2019.

4. She was removed from the congregation of the Sisters

She stayed away from the congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God for 10 years because she refused to follow the strict rules imposed by the nuns. She was only accepted again when she got sick. She didn’t stop being a nun, she just didn’t need to follow certain schedules and isolation anymore.

5. Invasion of places

In 1939, Sister invaded about five empty houses, where she took care of the sick. But she was expelled and took them all to the surroundings of Bonfim Church, in Salvador. Of course, in the eyes of some people, this attitude was repressed. Therefore, the mayor ordered the expulsion of all those sheltered in the place.

6. Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize

She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by the President of the Republic José Sarney, with the support of Queen Silvia of Sweden. Despite not being awarded, she became known worldwide for her achievements.

Sister Dulce’s Prayer

“Lord our God, in remembrance of your daughter, the Blessed Dulce of the Poor, whose heart burned with love for you and for her brothers and sisters, particularly the poor and excluded, we beseech you: give us identical love for the needy; renew our faith and our hope and grant us, like this daughter of yours, to live as brothers, seeking holiness daily, to be authentic missionary disciples of your Son Jesus.