In a story of extraordinary courage, Brazilian nun Nadir Santos da Silva, 45, drowned off the coast of Sicily after rescuing several fellow members of her religious congregation from powerful ocean currents. The incident occurred on May 11 during a recreational outing for the Carmelite Messengers of the Holy Spirit, the order in which Santos da Silva served as local prioress.
According to a report from Vatican News cited by Costa Rica’s La Nación, the nuns were wading in shallow water when strong currents began pulling them out to sea. Santos da Silva entered the water and managed to help several women reach safety before she was overcome. Her death has been mourned across the Catholic community as an act of selfless heroism.
