Sister Maria Elza Pinson ND 4825 PDF Download
(formerly Sister Maria Anunciata)
Elza PINSON
Holy Cross Province, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
Date and Place of Birth: November 8, 1931 Iraí, RS
Date and Place of Profession: February 12, 1953 Passo Fundo, RS
Date and Place of Death: July 30, 2025 Não Me Toque, RS
Date and Place of Burial: July 30, 2025 Santa Cruz Cemetery, Passo Fundo, RS
The Gospel of July 30th presents two parables about the Kingdom: the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price. The message of both teaches us that to reach God´s Kingdom, one must give up everything and offer their life to share in its joy. Sister Maria Elza Pinson accomplished this: she completed her surrender and went forth to her final encounter with Jesus, the true treasure of her life.
Elza was the fourth child, born to humble farmers, Davi Pinson and Maria de Martine Pinson. When she was three years old, she faced the loss of her mother. However, she soon found a devoted and loving maternal presence in her father´s second wife. Together, they formed a large family, blessed with seven more siblings. At the age of 20, Elza felt called to religious life and entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Notre Dame, where she received the name Sister Maria Anunciata, later returning to her baptismal name.
Following her graduation as a teacher, Sister Maria Elza dedicated the next 43 years of her life to education, especially in Kindergarten and 1st grade. Teaching children to read and write was an experience she recalled with joy and gratitude throughout her life. In addition to her work in education, Sister was dedicated to catechesis and liturgy in the Parish. As catechesis coordinator, she guided children and parents in living the sacraments. She also served as community coordinator and vice-principal of schools.
From 1991 onwards, Sister Maria Elza continued to be involved in the ministry of education. She supported the sisters by offering services that ensured the community’s well-being. She served as a receptionist, cared for flowers, and helped with household tasks — responsibilities she fulfilled with dedication.
In 2013, when she required greater medical care, Sister Maria Elza moved to Casa Betânia community. Here she visited the sisters who were ill, reading to them and assisting with small tasks and, at the same time, taking part in community life. She had a special love for flowers and birds, speaking to them as if they were people.
Jesus’s words, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6), were her guiding light and the focus of her lifelong search. In Him, Sister Maria Elza found the strength and serenity to endure suffering. Gradually, she became bedridden. In the early hours of July 30, 2025, the good God called her to the reward promised to the righteous.
Rest in peace, dear Sister Maria Elza!
