Maria Helena Saraiva de Aguiar, also known as Sister Aguiar (Irmã Aguiar), the oldest living nun in Europe, passed away in Porto, Portugal, on 7 October, at the age of 111 years, 339 days.
Maria Helena Saraiva de Aguiar was born in São Tomé and Príncipe (then Portuguese colony), on 2 November 1913.
Her childhood was divided between Braga, where her paternal grandmother and an aunt lived—both of whom she cherished deeply—and Lisbon, where she received her artistic education. At the city’s Conservatory, she completed her Higher Education Piano Course at 17 years old, earning a perfect score of 20. Later, after joining the Congregation of St. Dorothea, she devoted herself to teaching piano.
Following the death of Anna La Morgia on 17 July 2024, Aguiar became the oldest living nun in Europe.
At the time of her death, she was the second-oldest known living nun in the world, after Francis Piscatella.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Sister Aguiar during this difficult time.
