"Sadness gradually transforms into immense longing," says Edvaldo.
The Celebration of Hope. This was the title chosen for the 7th Day Mass for Maria de Lourdes Santana Nogueira, which took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Aracaju; Dona Lourdes' children, Mayor Edvaldo Nogueira and his sister Tereza Nogueira, as well as grandchildren and friends gathered in memory of the matriarch of the family, who passed away last Sunday, the 1st, at the age of 90; the mayor spoke about what he most admired in his mother: “My mother was a special being. She was ethical, compassionate. She was a midwife who delivered more than 4 babies in 45 years of her profession. The feeling of sadness is transforming into immense longing.”
Sergipe 247 - A Celebration of Hope. This was the title chosen for the 7th Day Mass for Maria de Lourdes Santana Nogueira, which took place on Saturday night, the 7th, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Aracaju. Dona Lourdes' children, Mayor Edvaldo Nogueira and his sister Tereza Nogueira, as well as grandchildren and friends gathered in memory of the matriarch of the family, who passed away last Sunday, the 1st, at the age of 90.
Father Antônio Peixoto, who presided over the ceremony, said that the mass “was not a moment to celebrate death, but to celebrate eternal and full life.” The celebrant, Father Marcelo Conceição, highlighted Dona Lourdes' “simplicity of life, courage, selflessness, and professional presence.” “She fulfilled her role in this world, followed her path, and did God's will. Your presence here is to speak of hope. We understand life under the principle of hope. The life of the righteous is in God's hands,” he stated.
On behalf of the family, the mayor gave a brief speech at the end of the mass. “Dona Lourdes, my mother, was truly an enlightened person. So much so that today, in this celebration, we are not alone. Another family is sharing with us the pain, the longing, and the hope—the family of Mr. José Vieira, who also passed away a week ago. Coincidentally, my mother was Maria, and the father of this other family was José. We are still here mourning their loss. But despite the immense pain, God has given us strength to heal these deep wounds,” he said.
Edvaldo continued, highlighting the characteristics he most admired in his mother: “My mother was a special being. She was ethical, compassionate. She was a midwife who delivered more than 4 babies in 45 years of her profession. My mother always had a kind word. She was an extraordinary person. We are here today praying that she has a place close to God and also asking for strength to get used to her absence. The feeling of sadness is transforming into an immense longing.”
Finally, he also thanked everyone for their support. "I want to thank my father, Edvaldo; my wife, Danuza; my sister, Tereza; my son, Maurício; the friends present, council members, secretaries, and everyone who is helping me overcome this moment," he stated.
Maria de Lourdes Nogueira passed away due to multiple organ failure, a consequence of the progression of Parkinson's disease. She is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Dona Lourdes was a nursing assistant. She was originally from Simão Dias. Her body was buried in the Santa Isabel cemetery in Aracaju.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Eliane Aquino, former Governor Albano Franco, councilors Evando Franca, Antonio Bittencourt, Zezinho do Bugio, Dr. Gonzaga and Carlito Alves, the State Secretary of Government, Benedito Figueiredo, as well as municipal secretaries.