Sister Maria Ignes ND 5362 PDF Download
(formerly Sister Maria Consuelis)
Ignes WINTER
Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, RS, Brazil
Date and Place of Birth: September 25, 1938 São Luiz Gonzaga, RS
Date and Place of Profession: February 10, 1960 Passo Fundo, RS
Date and Place of Death: April 26, 2026 Não Me Toque, RS
Date and Place of Burial: April 27, 2026 Sta Cruz Cemetery, Passo Fundo
“I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep, and they know me;
they hear my voice and follow me.” (John 10:14a and 27)
Ignes was the youngest daughter of Jorge José Winter and Ana Winter. She had three brothers and five sisters. One of her brothers, João Paulo Winter, was a priest with the Missionaries of the Holy Family and has since passed away. Two of her sisters, Sister Maria Irene and Sister Maria Angelina, were both Sisters of Notre Dame and are also deceased.
Coming from a deeply Christian family, Ignes felt called to follow in the footsteps of her two religious sisters. On February 11, 1958, she entered the novitiate and received the religious name of Sister Maria Consuelis. Later, she returned to her baptismal name.
From the beginning of her religious life, Sr. M. Ignes dedicated herself to education, serving primarily as a science and mathematics teacher in Notre Dame schools. She also ministered as a principal in both a diocesan school and a public school. Though serious and sometimes reserved in manner, she was known for her kindness and firmness, always welcoming with generosity those who were most in need of support.
Gifted with great artistic creativity, she excelled in painting, embroidery, crochet, knitting, and many other crafts. These activities not only brought her joy but also helped raise funds for educational materials needed by underprivileged schools.
Throughout her life, Ignes remained active in community life, prayer, and the apostolate. After retiring from her ministry of education, she continued to serve generously as a member of the parish liturgy team and by visiting the sick. Deeply devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she zealously prepared the meetings for the Apostolate of Prayer group.
In 2025, Sr. Maria Ignes celebrated her Iron Jubilee, marking 65 years of religious life. On May 18, she joyfully gathered with family members and sisters to give thanks and praise to the good and provident God for the gift of her life and for her vocation of religious life in service of the Kingdom of God.
In 2026, she joined the community of senior sisters in Não Me Toque. As time passed, her health gradually declined. After spending several days in the hospital, where she received the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, she peacefully returned to the Father on April 26, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
We pray that the Good Shepherd may grant eternal rest to our dear Sister M. Ignes, and that she may intercede for many good and holy vocations.
