Audio By Carbonatix
103-year-old nun Sister Teresita, a member of the Buenafuente del Sistal Convent north of Madrid will finally emerge into the outside world on Friday for a very special occasion.
She has spent every day of the past 84 years inside the walls of her convent in central Spain.
The nun will meet Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the Spanish capital of Madrid to celebrate World Youth Day.
She has been a resident at the convent since April 16, 1927. This, by coincidence, is the same day that Joesph Ratzinger - now Pope Benedict XVI - was born.
The last time the centenarian left the compound was during the Spanish Civil war, which took place between 1936 and 1939.
Even then she only fled for a few hours at a time to escape the overnight fighting.
The convent's mother superior, named only as Maria, said: 'She said she thinks she will make the trip with her eyes closed, so that nothing will distract her.'
Sister Teresita is a minor celebrity in the area around the nunnery after a book was published detailing her life inside the convent.
In the book, titled "What is a girl like you doing in a place like that", she is quoted as saying: 'Who can spend 84 years in a convent without being happy? Of course I’m happy.'
She adds in the book that she was encouraged into the Church by her father, who said that it was a way for them to escape extreme poverty.
She claims that when she entered the convent she only had a vague idea of what life would be like and that over the years she found happiness.
Sister Teresita's visit to Madrid comes as thousands congregate there to welcome the Pope.
Pilgrims will camp out under the stars in an area the size of 48 football pitches ahead of his visit, which begins on Thursday.
The city has been transformed with yellow and white banners lining the streets, while religious events and concerts have been planned. Huge screens have also been erected to broadcast the events across the city.
Hundreds of priests, speaking 30 languages, have also been called in to listen to sins in 200 specially constructed confessional booths.
However, the visit has stirred up tensions in the country, with many asking how the Government can afford to spend the money on the visit during its economic crisis.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ronaldinho seeks 300th goal with comeback aged 46
4 hours -
Your voice, your future – Opare Addo opens National Youth Forum 2026
4 hours -
GRA pushes data-driven tax administration to boost revenue mobilisation
4 hours -
NSMQ 2026: Presby SHS, Bompata crushes Sacred Heart’s hopes of reaching one-eighth stage
4 hours -
Africa Golf Tourism Convention opens in South Africa to unlock opportunities
4 hours -
BOGISS alleged sexual assault: Dr Apaak demands protection for autism victim
4 hours -
GTEC trains tertiary officials on new affiliation quality assurance framework
4 hours -
Luv FM High School Debate: OKESS, OSASS silence K’Wey Gey and KASS in fierce round of 16
4 hours -
Alcaraz to play US Open after four months out
4 hours -
Even if all foreigners leave, South Africa’s problems will remain – Dr Yamson blames state failure
5 hours -
Mahama announces GH¢500m district housing programme; rollout to begin this year
5 hours -
Energy Committee yet to receive July 29 blackout report – Adomako-Mensah
5 hours -
Five in six Ghana health facilities fall short of basic sanitation standard – WHO/UNICEF
5 hours -
Mohammed Fuseini in talks over Troyes move from Union SG
6 hours -
‘Bear with the system’ – Energy Ministry says temporary power control room to be ready by September
6 hours