Pontes, Sister Dulce Lopes (1914–1992)
Pontes, Sister Dulce Lopes (1914–1992)
Brazilian nun. Name variations: Sister Dulce; Maria Rita Lopes Pontes; Dulce Souza Brito Lopes Pontes. Born Maria Rita Lopes Pontes in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, May 26, 1914; died Mar 13, 1992, in the convent of Santo Antonio; dau. of Augusto Lopes Pontes (professor) and Dulce Souza Brito Lopes Pontes; graduate of Bahia Normal School.
Joined Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, an order devoted to service to the poor; began setting up migratory hospitals in condemned buildings to nurse those sick with tuberculosis, cancer, anemia, infection and malnutrition, many near death; eventually was allowed to transform a large chicken coop on the convent property into a facility, then raised enough money to build the Albergue Santo Antonio (Shelter of Saint Anthony), which was erected on donated land in back of the convent and opened its door in Feb 1960; also sponsored two medical centers, took in juvenile delinquents, and organized a food distribution hub. The process for beatification was begun (Jan 2000).
See also Nathan A. Haverstock, Give Us This Day: The Story of Sister Dulce, the Angel of Bahia (Appleton, 1965); and Women in World History.