Sister Maria Iraídes 

Sister Maria Iraídes              ND 4864              PDF Download

Adelina Maria LIMBERGER

Our Lady Aparecida Province, Canoas, RS – Brazil

Date and Place of Birth:                     February 8, 1935        Rio Pardo, RS Brazil
Date and Place of Profession:           February 11, 1955       Passo Fundo, RS Brazil
Date and Place of Death:                   July 2, 2022                 Sta. Rita Hospital, Porto Alegre, RS
Date and Place of Burial:                   July 3, 2022                 Convent Cemetery, Canoas, RS

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father!” (Matthew 25:34a)

On July 2, 2022, Sister Maria Iraídes heard the call “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world”. (Matthew 25:34)

Adelina Maria was the sixth of the ten children born to Francisco and Amalia Regina Limberger in Rincão Del, Rio Pardo, RS on February 8, 1955. Her family was a traditionally Catholic one which nurtured deep religious convictions. Her parents were farmers who made their living from the land.

At the age of eighteen, Adelina began her initial formation with the Sisters of Notre Dame. Upon entering the Novitiate, she received her religious name Sister Maria Iraídes, the name she kept throughout her 67 years of Religious Life.

For many years, Sister Maria Iraídes was part of the ministry of domestic care. She was  responsible for the meals in religious communities as well as in hospitals in various locations. Gradually, however, Sister was drawn toward the sick, the elderly, and the poor, anyone in need of care and affection. Therefore, she attended a Nursing Assistant course which enabled her to serve as a nurse in hospitals. She dedicated herself tirelessly to the neediest, finding ways for everyone to have access to health care. She stood up for the dignity of each person and provided the conditions in which they could live a healthy life.

Sister Maria Iraídes did not discriminate in her efforts to welcome everyone. Cold, rain, heat, nothing prevented her from meeting the needs of the elderly and sick, both in hospitals and in their homes. She was compassionate and tireless in alleviating the sufferings of others. In her relationships with her colleagues at work, Sister was always happy and available, encouraging them to work with joy, dignity and concern.

In 2016, her advanced age and the need for greater health care, compelled Sister Maria Iraídes to give up her ministry in hospitals. From then on, she made herself available to the Province to take care of Sisters admitted to the hospital. She was always ready to accompany them, care for them and be a loving presence for those who needed her. Beginning in 2020, Sister battled cancer and the  repeated chemotherapy drained  her strength. However, she remained courageous and upbeat in the hope of winning the battle. She was a warrior, a fighter, one who kept her faith and hope and maintained  positive attitude certain that she would overcome the disease.

Sister Maria Iraídes nurtured a great devotion to Our Lady and the rosary was her inseparable companion in times of pain and suffering. When the final hour came, she fell peacefully asleep to rise in the fulness of heavenly glory. Certainly, Mother Mary, whom she loved so much in this world, led Sister Maria Iraídes to her son Jesus.

Dear Sister M. Iraídes, thank you for passing through this world of ours. May the Lord welcome you into a happy eternity. Now, intercede for us!                       R.I.P.