The Good Angel of Bahia becomes a Saint

This afternoon, in the Vatican City, Sister Dulce Pontes will be canonized by Pope Francis, becoming Saint Dulce of the Poor—Brazil’s 37th recognized saint. After a life of charity and caring for the less fortunate, Dulce was commonly known as the “Good Angel of Bahia” and until today is venerated by a host of followers in her home town of Salvador.

Today, on The Brazilian Report, we look back at the life of one of Brazil’s most remarkable figures.

Sister Dulce: from the beginning

Irmã Dulce was born Maria de Souza Brito Lopes Pontes, in Brazil’s holiest state capital of Salvador, in the Northeastern state of Bahia, a city known for its Bay of All Saints and strong spiritual traditions.

Among her favorite toys, her football was her first pick. Not just a huge fan of a kickabout, little Maria was also a loyal supporter of Ypiranga Sport Club, a local team formed mainly by the working class. She confessed her love of Ypiranga in a rare televised interview in 1986. 

Maria’s first approximation with religion happened in 1922, when she took her first communion at the age of eight. Since then, Sister Dulce had the skill to help the needy and poor. Some called it a God-given gift, but she also came from a compassionate background.

Her family allowed her to take in beggars and sick people at their home, which soon became a social service shelter. Given the crowd that gathered in front of the small residence, it was renamed the Portal of Saint Francis, sparking Maria’s intention to pursue a religious career. 

At 19 years old, Maria joined the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of...