At 99 years old, Sister Marta has touched hearts on social media with a simple and deeply moving message of gratitude.
The religious sister celebrated her birthday surrounded by the members of her community, whom she encouraged to love Jesus and always trust in the protection of the Virgin Mary.
The video was shared on the Instagram account of the Mercedarian Sisters of the Child Jesus, the congregation to which Sister Marta belongs. The footage shows the nun blowing out the candles on her birthday cake while her fellow sisters sing “Happy Birthday,” creating an atmosphere filled with joy, affection, and sisterhood.
After the celebration, Sister Marta addressed her community with humility, thanking them for their birthday wishes and encouraging the sisters to fully surrender themselves to the Lord's hands.
“Thank you so much for all the greetings. May you all be in the Lord’s hands. May you love the congregation dearly, may you love Jesus dearly, and may the Virgin Mary protect you. I am very happy to be with all the sisters. I also want to thank you for all the good examples you have given me, for all your help, for the undeserved affection you show me, and for all the graces the Lord has granted me throughout these 99 years.”
The nun also received a very practical and thoughtful gift: a fan, which will help her cope with the intense summer heat.
From the congregation, the Mercedarian Sisters of the Child Jesus asked for prayers for Sister Marta and reminded followers that she constantly prays for everyone.
“Sister Marta, who recently turned 99, leaves a message for the sisters of the congregation. Thank you, God, for her life of dedication and her attentive heart. Pray for her. She prays for everyone.”
The video quickly went viral on social media, generating nearly 12,000 likes and receiving numerous comments from viewers who praised Sister Marta’s life of faith and wished her a happy birthday.
Many commenters highlighted the beauty of her vocation and the joy reflected in her words, noting how clearly her love for Jesus shines through even at 99 years old.
Others expressed gratitude for her lifetime of service and offered prayers and birthday wishes, inspired by her testimony of perseverance, humility, and devotion.
Here's what some people said:
“A beautiful testimony of a life dedicated to Jesus. Her words truly touch the heart because it's clear that at 99 years old, she is in love with Jesus, right where He planted her and where she has surely borne and will continue to bear much fruit. Happy birthday to her.”
“Beautiful testimony of a life of dedication and vocation. Happy birthday, Sister Marta!”
“We give thanks to the Lord for their dedication and service to the Lord.”