Sister Maria Teresa ND 7040 PDF Download
Teresa ALTMAYER
Holy Cross Province, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
Date and Place of Birth: January 5, 1949 Ibirubá, RS
Date and Place of Profession: February 10, 1970 Passo Fundo, RS
Date and Place of Death: September 10, 2024 Não Me Toque, RS
Date and Place of Burial: September 11, 2024 Santa Cruz Cemetery, Passo Fundo, RS
Teresa Altmayer is the eighth of fifteen children of Edmundo and Hilda Altmayer, who were farmers. Providing an education and religious formation for such a large family was a constant challenge for her parents. In addition to many responsibilities both in the home and on the farm, Teresa and her siblings learned early the value of hard work and family unity.
Teresa attended Santa Terezinha School in Ibirubá, staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Inspired by her three aunts who were already members of the Sisters of Notre Dame — Sisters M. Felipa, M. Egídia, and M. Aparícia — Teresa was encouraged to learn more about religious life. In 1968, she answered the call to become a religious and entered the Novitiate in Passo Fundo, receiving the religious name Sister Maria Teresa.
Throughout her life, Sister Maria Teresa carried out her ministry as an elementary school teacher with love and devotion serving both Notre Dame schools and public schools in Rio Grande do Sul. She was loved by the children, whom she welcomed with affection and care.
After her retirement in 1995, Sister Maria Teresa devoted herself especially to catechesis and liturgy in parishes. She also assisted in the school library, greeted the students upon their arrival for classes, and contributed in various ways to the religious communities in which she lived. Always smiling, Sister was a constant presence during times of prayer and at gatherings, and recreational activities within the community. She particularly enjoyed assisting with the preparation of religious and cultural celebrations at the Santa Júlia Residence, where she showed special care for the elderly.
As her physical frailty became more apparent, Sister Maria Teresa joined the Casa Betânia community in May 2024, where she spent her final days. Although she could no longer move about without a wheelchair and had difficulty communicating, she maintained her serenity and faith.
The Gospel on the day of her passing tells the story of the moment when Jesus, after a night of prayer, came down from the mountain and called to Himself those He had chosen. And so too, in His infinite mercy, He called our dear Sister Maria Teresa to be with Him. May she rest in peace in the presence of the Almighty, and may her memory inspire us to follow the path of faith and love for our neighbor. May she intercede for us and for more vocations for priesthood and religious life.
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