The town of Muravera celebrated Irina Congiu 's 100th birthday yesterday. Her large family (eight children, eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren) wished her a happy birthday, along with her parish priest, Father Ignazio Pili, Carabinieri station commander Fabrizio Pes, and Muravera Mayor Francesca Mattana, who, on behalf of the entire community, presented her with a commemorative plaque.
"Irina," the mayor emphasized, "told us about her move to Muravera from her hometown of Sardara and the difficult times she experienced during the Second World War. She confided in me that her secret is always trying to focus on the good things that happen to us, not on what we lack."
Born in Sardara on July 24, 1926, Irina is the second of six children. During World War II, she met Mario Podda, a soldier from Muravera, whom she married in 1946. Soon after, she moved to Muravera. Irina had eleven children, eight of whom are still living: Franca, Lauretta, Dario, Giuseppe, Isa, Bruno, Giannina, and Stefano.
Among the little secrets is a half-glass of wine that Grandma Irina still drinks today with meals. "We thank her," added the mayor of Muravera, "for the wisdom she has generously given us."
The mayor of Sardara, Giorgio Zucca, also wished her a happy birthday.
