“Example of strength, vigor and encouragement”: Family and friends mourn Dona Sevi’s death

Family and friends of Severina Paiva de SantanaMore known as Dona Sevi, pay their last respects to the nun, one of the organizers of the Festa do Morro da Conceição, who died this Thursday (2)aged 88.

She had been admitted to Hospital Alfa, in Boa Viagem, in the South Zone, since October 10, after suffering a stroke six days after her birthday. The wake will take place this Friday (3), at Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, in the Santo Amaro neighborhoodin the North Zone.

At the scene, Dona Sevi’s friends, Marta and Vívian Ferreira, mother and daughter, aged 70 and 50, respectively, mourn the loss of their friend. For them, this is a painful moment of the departure of someone who vehemently contributed to the work of faith, in Morro da Conceição.

“Speaking about Sevi, who walked with me in this fight for the poorest, the most needy, is an honor, a privilege. It’s a shame she left so young, because I told her I wanted to celebrate her 100th birthday. I’ve never seen so much vigor, so much courage, such a strong woman,” said Marta.

“When she sang the song “A Barra do Dia” at the 4am mass, on December 8th, here on the hill, it was a unique performance. Servi’s voice was strong, full of faith, courage, strength. Servi I worked like a 20-year-old girl. She was tireless”, added Marta, moved.

In the photo, Vivian de Oliveira (left) and Marta Ferreira, friends of the deceased and volunteers at Festa do Morro. Photo: Ricardo Fernandes/Folha de Pernambuco

The cooperator arrived in Morro da Conceição at the age of 17. Coming from the municipality of Ferreiros, in the North Forest of Pernambuco, Dona Sevi came to try to improve living conditions in Recife.

“She was always an example of strength, vigor, encouragement. Dona Sevi leaves an indelible mark on our hearts. It’s gonna be hard. We are very sad, but with the certainty that God has already welcomed her into his arms. She had a lot of love for youth and made a point of saying so,” said Vívian Ferreira, still in disbelief about her friend’s death.

Vívian followed the trajectory of Dona Sevi, who wrote three editions of the book “Aos Pés da Santa: A História de um Povo”, which addresses the persistence of faith in Morro da Conceição, and reports on the friendship relationship with her companion of faith who was firm in his positions.

“She is much more than a friend to me, she was a hug, a comfort, a caress. She complained when she needed to complain to encourage us, but, above all, she was very loving,” she adds.

The parish priest of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Emerson Borges, talks about the importance of Dona Sevi in the history of the community’s Catholic faith

“We are experiencing a great loss with her physical absence, leaving for eternity. And the history of this hill has a lot to say about the story of Dona Sevi. It is something that is intertwined. Even her book talks a lot about these stories, about her faith, here in Morro da Conceição, her affection and her devotion to Our Lady. From now on, the legacy and the example remain”, says the religious man.

Parish priest Emerson Borges. Photo: Ricardo Fernandes/ Folha de Pernambuco

In the celebrations of the 119th anniversary of Morro da Conceição, which take place on December 8th, according to the religious leader, Dona Sevi’s memory will be remembered in the moment that most marked her participation in the party.

“We are going to pay some tribute, especially at the 4am mass, which was where she sang “A Barra do Dia”, as the sun was rising. She had this direct participation in the celebration of the Holy Mass and, of course, we will remember this, not only at the 4 am Mass, but throughout the day. But the Nossa Senhora da Conceição festival, this year, will leave you with a taste of missing her presence”, she concluded.

Iacy Paiva, the elderly woman’s daughter, spoke to the press and spoke about her mother’s representation and the pain of grief.

“She was a very beautiful person. She helped everyone. Therefore, we intend to not have sadness. We don’t cry out of sadness, because she has a beautiful role in people’s lives, and she will leave me very much missed. Since when she was hospitalized [em 8 de outubro], that everyone prayed. My mother continues to live in our hearts and in each other,” she said.

Iacy Paiva, daughter of the elderly woman. Photo: Ricardo Fernandes/ Folha de Pernambuco

During the wake, two masses will be celebrated, scheduled for 11am and 3pm. The body will then be taken to the Casa Amarela cemetery, where it will be buried.

Funeral for Dona Sevi, one of the organizers of the Festa do Morro, in Morro da Conceição, in Recife, who died at the age of 88. Photo: Ricardo Fernandes/ Folha de Pernambuco