Biography of Sr. M. Ivone de Freitas Barbosa FCJM

“Our paths are Mysteries of Divine Providence that guides us according to His will, even if we do not understand it.” Mother Clara Pfander.

Sister Maria Ivone de Freitas Barbosa, daughter of Lourival Rodrigues Barbosa and Luiza Alves de Freitas, was born in Monte Alegre, Pará. She was born into a family of 12 siblings, 7 girls and 5 boys. She studied elementary and high school in public schools in the city of Monte Alegre.

She was a faithful servant, a soul dedicated to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and a living example of the Franciscan charism. She arrived in our Congregation in 1990, began her postulancy on August 2, 1991, was received into the novitiate on February 2, 1992, professed her first vows on February 2, 1994, and professed her final vows on February 2, 2000. She embraced our charism with great love and devoted herself wholeheartedly to this Congregation of Sisters.. She spent 34 years as a servant of God. Her life dedicated to service and prayer was an eloquent testimony of the faith she professed. In every gesture, in every word, Sister Maria Ivone taught us about charity, humility and the joy of serving God and our neighbor, she truly knew how to love with the heart of Jesus and Mary.

Our Sister was tirelessly dedicated to everything she did, whether in pastoral work or in her professional life. She liked to help people, regardless of who they were or what social class they belonged to. Everyone who knew her developed a special affection for her. She was a pastoral agent for 10 years in the parishes of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and São Sebastião. She was coordinator of the Vocational Ministry for 6 years in the archdiocese. She had a degree in Pastoral Theology and Pedagogy, and a postgraduate degree in School Management. She was currently the director of Sector 3 – Liturgy and Evangelization of the Festivities of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.

She was also the coordinator of the liturgical ministry of the Archdiocese of Santarém, of the Sacramental Ministry, and Minister of Holy Communion at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. She worked as a manager at the Nossa Senhora da Conceição School in the city of Almeirim and Francisca das Chagas Nascimento School in Santarém for 8 years. Since 2013, she had been the pedagogical coordinator of Early Childhood Education at Colégio Dom Amando.

During this period, she had the opportunity to lead and work with teams dedicated to educational excellence and contribute to the academic growth of countless children aged 2 to 5. A trajectory marked by the search to be an educator of minds and hearts, according to the guidance of Father Basilio Moreau of the Santa Cruz Congregation.

In July 2024, she was diagnosed with her illness. She endured her suffering in silence, never questioning the reasons for her illness. During this difficult journey, she suffered with faith, courage, and serenity. Sometimes she would groan due to the intense pain, but when someone called her, she would force a soft smile so as not to worry the other person. She fought for her life with love and tenderness until the end. Even in the face of pain, she kept a beautiful smile on her face. May she rest in peace!

There is one Body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which you were called, that of your vocation. (Eph 4:4)

Written by Sr. M. Aleunice Lima FCJM