PAX – SISTER IVONI DELA GIUSTINA

PAX!

Renewing our faith in the Risen Christ, in whom we place our certainty and hope, we announce, moved and with gratitude, that on November 5^th, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (local time), at Casa São José/Nova Veneza – BRAZIL, the Celestial Spouse received in his arms at:

SISTER IVONI DELA GIUSTINA

Province “Mother of Divine Providence”

with 80 years old and 59 years of Religious Profession

Sister Ivoni was born in Orleans (Santa Catarina / Brazil), on June 23^rd, 1944. Ivoni, upon meeting the Benedictine Sisters of Divine Providence in her hometown, felt within herself a strong desire to also be religious, as she perceived that it was a special vocation.

Determined to follow Jesus, she entered the Congregation on February 3^rd, 1962 in Nova Veneza. She was received by the local Superior, Sister Afonsina Romão. At the time, Mother Emanuele Bonacina was the General Superior.

After completing the Aspirancy and Postulancy stages, she entered the Novitiate in 1963, with Sister Beniamina Carbone as Mistress.

Desiring to consecrate herself, she writes to the Superior to be admitted to Religious Profession:

Although unworthy of such great grace, I will use all means to be faithful and sanctify myself, which I hope with the help of my Jesus, whom I will receive, as my Spouse of my soul.

On January 15^th, 1965, she professed his first vows in the Chapel of the Holy Family Institute of Nova Veneza in Brazil.

Sister Ivoni was a very silent, welcoming and sensitive person of prayer. She felt deeply immersed in Divine Providence. She herself relates:

I am very grateful to the Provident Father who always accompanied me and took care of me. He never let me lack for anything, not even in the difficulties of everyday life. The Divine Providence has always been present throughout my history, through my family, the Congregation and also in the mission. I always felt supported and protected by Divine Providence.

 Let us give the words to the people who knew her closest.

Our dear Ivoni now contemplates the paternal and loving face of God! I have very good memories of Sister Ivoni since I was a child in my city. She prepared us for the First Eucharist… I can only thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet such a special person as Sister Ivoni. May she intercede from heaven for us and for so many people who were part of her stories. (Sister Gleicy Kelly Rocha)

As an aspirant in Jauru, she was superior of the community for a year and returned to Figueirópolis D’Oeste where the people did not want her to leave. Always kind and patient. The last time I saw her was in 2018 in Nova Veneza.  She did not rest tranquil until she found a little box for me to keep my rosary. Always wanting to please and make us feel good. May God give her the reward she deserve. Rest in peace. May she intercede for each of us from heaven. Amen. (Sister Cleidinei Pupim)

Dear Sister Ivoni, lately you no longer spoke, but you kept your smile. With the same meekness that you lived, now you left. Gratitude for your life given with simplicity and generosity. Gratitude for your testimony of Consecration, of welcoming and of love for Jesus! Gratitude to the Community of Casa São José, for all the love, dedication and care towards Sister Ivoni. To each of you I leave my fraternal hug. United in prayer: (Mother Narcisa Maria Pasetto)

Sister Ivoni was ready to welcome and serve everyone who arrived, and with her cheerful and genuine smile she served a snack, water, or the best she had. Now, in heaven, enjoy the presence of God. Intercede for us who are still in this fight. Rest in peace! (Sister Maximina Gabriel)

Rest in peace, Sister Ivoni! May God comfort her family and all of us who have known her great and sensitive heart. Sister (Sister Lina Maria Girotto)

Sister Ivoni, her testimony of a serene, happy life and always with that smile on her face, captivated many people to follow in her footsteps. Intercede for us who are still on pilgrimage. May the Lord grant you the splendour of eternal light. Amen. (Sister Diamar Broca)

Another missionary has been taken to the Father’s house… Rest in peace, Sister Ivoni. (Sister Nelida Gamual Gonzales)

Yes, Sister Ivoni, she was all this and much more: she was faithful until the end. Serene and smiling, she lived her consecration as an excellent teacher and educator in many schools, in catechesis and in pastoral care. She opened an important mission in Pontes e Lacerda, in Mato Grosso – Brazil, where she worked for many years. She was also a teacher at the City State Secondary School, leaving a deep mark on the hearts of many. She had the joy of developing her mission in the missions of Melga /Bolivia.

With serenity, and always in silence, she accepted the limitations of an illness that left her in total dependence. Thus, considerably weakened, she was lovingly cared for by the Sisters and employees of the Casa São José de Nova Veneza.

In the hands of the Divine Providence, on the afternoon of November 5^th, 2024, she quietly abandoned herself in the arms of her Spouse Jesus.

Dear Sister Ivoni, all of us already miss your slender and welcoming smile. Thanks for your testimony of abandonment in Divine Providence. Go and enjoy the happiness of the righteous. Pray for us!

The funeral will be celebrated on November 6^th, 2024, with the Holy Mass, at 4 p.m., in the Chapel of the Holy Family Institute of Nova Veneza – BRAZIL and then the burial in the Municipal Cemetery of the City.

In a fraternal communion of prayer, united with all the Sisters of the “Mother of Divine Providence” Province, family and friends, let us deliver our Sister Ivoni to her beloved Spouse Jesus.

“I cling to You, Lord and you hold me with your hands” (Psalm 62)

(From the remembrance of her Perpetual Profession)

REST IN THE PEACE OF THE LORD!

 Sister Maria das Dores Paz – General Secretary