Sister Alice Maria ND 4440 PDF Download
(formerly Sister Maria Zefira)
Alice Maria ECKERT
Holy Cross Province, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
Date and Place of Birth: 15 de abril, 1928 Selbach, RS
Date and Place of Profession: 09 de fevereiro, 1950 Passo Fundo, RS
Date and Place of Death: 20 de setembro, 2024 Não Me Toque, RS
Date and Place of Burial: 20 de setembro, 2024 Holy Cross Cemetery, Passo Fundo
Alice Maria was the second of twelve children born to João Aloysio Eckert and Maria Catharina Eckert, both of whom were farmers. As the oldest daughter, she helped with the household chores and took care of her younger siblings, a learning experience she carried into her religious life.
Alice Maria met the Sisters of Notre Dame in Selbach, her hometown, and decided to enter religious life at the age of 18. Upon receiving her habit, she was given the name Sister Maria Zefira; however, she later returned to her baptismal name.
Sister ministered in various schools and institutions in the Holy Cross Province. Planting, watering, and harvesting vegetables, salads, and flowers were tasks she always greatly enjoyed. She was deeply dedicated to preparing hearty meals for the sisters and would say, “You must eat well to have the strength to teach and discipline when necessary.” In her free time, she crocheted and was always willing to teach the skill to anyone who wanted to learn.
Sister Alice Maria was devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eucharist, and Our Lady. She was known for her faithfulness, gentleness, generosity, dedication, and care of all things. For community gatherings or times of relaxation, she always prepared a treat or something else to bring for everyone to joy.
When Sister Alice Maria was stricken with facial cancer,– an illness which caused her much pain — she suffered silently and patiently. Because her face was disfigured by the illness, she had to cope with the challenges of living alongside her fellow sisters and laypeople. In the beginning, the treatments were successful, but gradually, Sister’s condition worsened, to the point where the doctors could only offer her palliative care. Even as the disease progressed, Sister Alice Maria insisted on participating in all community events. Patiently and discreetly, she remained interested in everything and prayed for everyone.
On September 20th, Sister Alice Maria peacefully surrendered her life to the Father, the good God whom she loved, served, and proclaimed throughout her life. May she now be rewarded with eternal happiness.
Rest in peace!
by Dreamhost