Sister Maria Dolores

Sister Maria Dolores             ND 5884                PDF Download

Aurora Dolores KASSICK

Our Lady Aparecida Province, Canoas, RS – Brazil

Date and Place of Birth:              February 3, 1946              Rolante, RS
Date and Place of Profession:     February 11, 1966            Canoas, RS
Date and Place of Death:            January 20, 2024              Hospital São Lucas, Porto Alegre, RS
Date and Place of Burial:             January 21, 2024              Convent Cemetery, Canoas, RS

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Ps 103:8

Aurora Dolores was the sixth of 17 children of Vendelino Kassick, a farmer, and Melita Salazar Kassick, a homemaker. At a young age, she became an aspirant with the Sisters of Notre Dame in Canoas-RS, beginning her journey towards religious life. On February 20, 1963, she joined the first group of postulants in the new Nossa Senhora Aparecida Province.

In 1966, Aurora Dolores completed a teacher training course, and obtained a degree from Colégio Maria Auxiliadora in Canoas. She also earned a Certificate of Proficiency in History, a Bachelor´s Degree in Pedagogy, and a Postgraduate Degree in Psychopedagogy.

Throughout her years of service in the various communities within the Nossa Senhora Aparecida Province, Sister Maria Dolores accepted a variety of ministries, including teacher, vice-principal, principal as well as internship supervisor, and pedagogical coordinator. Her extensive experience in education allowed her to make a significant contribution to the formation of teachers and collaborators by instilling in them the Notre Dame spirit.

In addition to her role in formal education, Sister also devoted herself to social work. She ministered as parish coordinator of Pastoral da Criança, president of the Municipal Council for Children and Adolescents, and state coordinator of Toys and Games. In addition, she served as provincial councilor and local superior. In 2010, the State Government honored Sister Maria Dolores with the Ana Terra Award which recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to the social and humanitarian efforts in Rio Grande do Sul society.

Sister Maria Dolores found joy in cultivating her hobbies of reading and crafts. She dedicated her free time to making clothes and other items for those in need. Despite facing substantial challenges in mobility and upper limb movement, Sister continued to perfect her talent for crocheting.

In 2013, Sister Maria Dolores was diagnosed with cancer. From that point onward, she underwent extensive treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. A determined woman, she fought tenaciously for her life. Sister was admitted to São Lucas Hospital on December 27th, where she received excellent care and support from both the sisters and her family.

We believe that pain and suffering, as sources of purification, shape us and bring us closer to God. May the compassionate and gracious God, who called Sister Maria Dolores to Himself on January 20, 2024, grant her eternal reward for her service throughout her 58 years as a Sister of Notre Dame. Sister will be remembered for the excellence of her teachings as a Notre Dame educator, her unwavering faith and courage in her fight for life, and her outreach and care for those in need.