Who smiles like this near the moment of death?

Death is a tragedy for mortal man, and yet with faith in eternity and anticipation of the embrace of our heavenly Father, death becomes radiant.

We share today the news of the death of Sister Cecilia, a Carmelite of Santa Fe in Argentina, who suffered from lung cancer. She astonished those who surrounded her in her agony, [smiling as she approached her culmination.]

The Carmel of Santa Fe announced the death of Sister Cecilia to their brothers and sisters and friends of the Carmel, with a brief but profound note.

Dear brothers, sisters and friends:Jesus! Just a few lines to let you know that our very dear little sister has softly fallen asleep in the Lord, after an extremely painful illness, which she always endured with joy and surrender to her Divine Spouse. We send you all of our affection, thankful for your support and prayer during this time that is so sorrowful and yet also so marvelous. We believe that she flew directly to heaven, but all the same, we ask that you do not fail to pray for her. From heaven, she will reward you.A warm embrace from your sisters of Santa Fe.

Translated from the Spanish.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The Curia Generalizia of the Discalced Carmelite Order has clarified on their Facebook page that the above photos were not taken at the moment of death as originally reported in this translation. We are happy to make this correction. Find more background on Sister Cecilia and her death, here.]

All photos via página de la Curia General de los Carmelitas Descalzos on Facebook