The town of Uri gathered with affection and gratitude around aunt Maria Lughia Alvau , born Maria Lucia, on the occasion of her 100th birthday , celebrated last April 22nd.
The celebrations took place in an atmosphere of deep participation, enriched by the presence of the municipal administration and the mayor Matteo Emanuele Dettori, who wanted to personally bring his best wishes and institutional greetings.
In his speech, the mayor recalled not only the symbolic value of this important anniversary, but also the human bond built over time through meetings and long conversations, often around the holidays. The two had already made a commitment to the centenary on January 1st, and they have kept it with emotion and gratitude.
Aunt Maria Lughia's life is deeply intertwined with her Christian faith, lived and witnessed to with simplicity and perseverance. Once through pilgrimages, educational events, and catechesis, today within her own home, she continues to be a silent but eloquent example.
The numerous charitable works that marked her long journey speak of a concrete dedication to the teachings of the Gospel, lived daily by those most in need. It is no coincidence that the celebrations were held on the day dedicated to the Holy Cross, to which she is deeply devoted. In 2000, she was among the founders of the Confraternity named after it, of which she remains a member today. During her life, she also joined the Franciscan Tertiary Order, further strengthening her spiritual journey and service to others.
The parish priest Don Francesco Tavera and the Confraternity had the opportunity to bid farewell to the centenarian nun on April 24th, presenting her with a diploma and a gift.
Among the most significant moments of her life, Aunt Maria Lughia remembers with particular emotion the priestly ordination of Don Manuel Petretto , son of the community, an event that represented a great spiritual joy for her.
His birthday, celebrated in a more intimate way, was nevertheless marked by an outpouring of affection: he received numerous phone calls, a tangible sign of the good he has sown over the years.
Among the many who remember her with esteem and affection, also the Archbishop of Sassari, Monsignor Francesco Soddu , present at the celebrations, who has kept her memory alive since the time he was parish priest of the Cathedral of San Nicola.
During the celebrations, a thought was also given to Father Jean Laurent Guglielmi of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, a significant figure in the community's spiritual journey. In addition to family members, the celebration was attended by numerous religious and civil authorities: Monsignor Giancarlo Zichi, Capuchin Fathers Luca and Danilo of the Sorso friary, Father Gianni Nieddu, Father Manuel Petretto, and former mayors Giovanni Biddau, Angela Fara, and Luciano Sechi.
"Such a broad and heartfelt turnout is no coincidence," Mayor Matteo Dettori said, "but rather, it demonstrates how Aunt Maria Lughia's long "sowing" has borne abundant fruit. Her life remains a shining example of lived faith, active charity, and love for her community."