If there were ever a photograph that could serve as an answer to the question, “How beautiful can death be?” it would be that of Sister Cecilia Maria, a nun from Argentina. No matter how great a saint someone might be, rarely has anyone been seen smiling at the moment of death as she did. That is precisely what makes her smile so significant and awe-inspiring.
At the age of just 46, Sister Cecilia Maria passed away, composing a new poetry of death with her smile. Her departure came after many years of suffering from cancer.
Born on December 5, 1973, in San Martín de los Andes, in the Neuquén province of Argentina, Cecilia joined the Discalced Carmelite Order at the age of 24, after completing her nursing studies. It was at this time that she took the name Sr. Cecilia Maria of the Holy Face.
Sister Cecilia was always seen with a smile. She was an energetic nun, and music—especially the violin—was dear to her heart. But alongside her love for music, her life was deeply rooted in prayer and meditation. She followed a spiritual path that grew daily in friendship with Christ.
Her cancer began in her tongue and later spread to her lungs. Even as she spent her days between medication and hospital visits, her prayers never wavered. She lived with immense hope, fully convinced that she would soon meet Jesus face to face. She had even written down her final wish on a piece of paper:
“I was thinking about how my funeral should be. First, everyone should pray well. Then, throw a big party for everyone. Do not forget to pray, but also do not forget to celebrate!”
In every sense, Sister Cecilia made her death a celebration.
On June 23, 2016, Sister Cecilia Maria took her final breath. The images of her smiling at the moment of her passing went viral on social media at that time. The process for her beatification has already begun.
At the moment of her death, she must have seen Christ. She must have smiled at Him. Otherwise, who else could smile like that at the hour of death?
Sr. Cecilia Maria
