Doña Inés, the mother of three priests—Father Silvo, Father Sérgio, and Father Silvano—suffers from dementia, but she doesn't face it alone. Her children are with her during these difficult times, and a video of them celebrating Mass for her has gone viral on social media.
Through his TikTok account, Father Adriano Brito of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Dehonians) shares moving videos that show this testimony of love.
In one of them, you can see how the three priests- Father Sildo César da Costa, Father Sérgio Luís da Costa and Father Silvano João da Costa- celebrate Mass for the birthday of their mother, who lives in the novitiate of Our Lady of Fatima in Brazil.
“Today, Doña Inés is 87 years old, suffering from dementia and completely unconscious. Her priest sons care for her with such love, dedication, and affection, praying with her every day, thus reciprocating the love and care she showed for each of their vocations.”
Father Brito says this testimony is beautiful and moving, an example of “filial love and priestly dedication.”
Watch on TikTok
Doña Inés: a sign of God in the lives of her children
In 2023, celebrating his mother's 85th birthday, Father Silvano shared a video on social media in which, along with his siblings, he expressed his gratitude for Doña Inés's example of life and faith.
"Our family is filled with joy because our mother, Inés, is celebrating her 85th birthday today. It's a day to give thanks, celebrate, and pray.
"God, thank you so much for granting our mother the gift of life. Thank you to our grandfather, Juan Gasaniga, and our grandmother, Regina Vec, for saying yes to the life of the one they chose to name Inés, which means 'pure,' and raising her in faith, love, and righteousness. We also express our gratitude to our father Cristóbal, in memory, for having been our mother's companion on the journey and for having formed our family.
"Thank you, Mom, for having said yes to our life. We also thank all those who, in one way or another, have made our mother's life possible. Today, we celebrate her presence in our lives. Although, as has been said several times, she no longer recognizes us as children, we do recognize her as our mother. We know that she has a mission, even amidst her frailties, which can be summed up in one phrase: to be a sign of God's love in our lives.
"Yes, Mom, you are a visible sign of God's love. You make us understand the fragility of life but also the strength of the desire to live. Today, we celebrate a life that transcends the awareness of existence and becomes reality in the love conveyed through your gaze, your hands that hold ours, your kisses filled with gratitude, and your lips that pronounce the phrase: 'Stay with me.'"
As we celebrate the gift of our mother's life, we want to share this moment of joy with all those who pray, ask for her and help us care for her. But today is also a day to offer a prayer:
"God, take care of our mother. Grant her serenity, faith, and strength to live her life as a sign of your love among us.
Thank you, Mama Inés. Congratulations, Mama Inés! God protect you, Mama Inés. Your blessing, Mama.”