When Maria da Conceição arrived, everything was ready to receive her at the Lar da Santa Casa da Misericórdia in São Brás de Alportel. The birthday cake was on the table, the candles lit. The room, decorated for the occasion, received her with all affection. She smiled, got out of the elevator and walked on her own foot to close to the dozens of people waiting to sing her happy birthday. “May everyone be very healthy: that's what I want!”, he said, from the height of his 107 years.
Maria da Conceição is a symbol of vitality. When it was born, in the distant year of 1912, not even São Brás de Alportel was a municipality, but a parish in Faro. Yesterday, December 22, celebrated 107 years, strongly lived.
Born in São Romão, she has always worked in the countryside. He picked carob, olives, broad beans and lived in his house until he was 99 years old.
He has been at the Lar da Santa Casa da Misericórdia for eight years. «We all have a special affection for her. It's like one of us all», said Júlio Pereira, the provider of Santa Casa, with a tender look at the centenary.
But “our princess”, as Julio Pereira called her, had the right to a real party, where cake and champagne were not lacking. After all, it's not every day that 107 years are celebrated…
With everyone around the table, Dona Conceição made a point of thanking the presence of her granddaughter, her great-grandson and so many friends who even brought her gifts.
From the hands of Vítor Guerreiro, mayor of São Brás, and João Rosa, president of the Board, received two bunches of flowers. From the part of the Home where he lives, he received a photograph alongside other users, to put on his bedside table. "But look, I'm not old enough for gifts," he snapped, to everyone's laughter.
At 107 years of age, Dona Conceição remains in possession of several of her faculties: she still walks on her own foot, only with the help of a wanderer, and manages to have a remarkable lucidity in her speech.
At Mass, which is celebrated monthly at the Home, he accompanies all the sayings of the Eucharist. “She even answers the Father. It's extraordinary!” said Júlio Pereira.
The secret? “I think it's the fact that she follows the routines, that she wants to walk on her own foot. Every day, he gets up and has breakfast, autonomously, only with some help», he also considered.
A few days ago, everyone in the Lar da Santa Casa had a fright. «Ms. Conceição stumbled and fell. We threw our hands over our heads and thought: that's it, this is the beginning of the end. None of that! She reacted right away, got up and just said that she was a little sore, but it was very quickly», said the provider Júlio Pereira.
As it turns out, it's not just anything that's going to bring it down. For Vítor Guerreiro, mayor, Mrs. Conceição is a «source of inspiration and an example». «What a gift to reach this age… It is also proof of the excellent work of Santa Casa da Misericórdia», he said, together with the US more than a centenary citizen.
Dona Conceição did not hide her joy. «Did I like the party? I liked it of course! Everyone treats me very well here», he shot.
And next year? How is it going to be? Julio Pereira has no doubts.
“We will do our part. Dona Conceição will make her own and, on December 22, 2020, we will be here again for the 108».
Photos: Pedro Lemos | Sul Informação
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