Lins (Brazil). On 23 October 2025, during a Solemn Session, the Municipal Chamber of Lins (SP) awarded Sister Maria Nilda Cavalcanti Rangel the Citizenship of Lins, in recognition of the services rendered to the local community. The appointment was proposed by Councilor Fábio Câmara, who presented Sister Nilda with the official badge and certificate of citizenship.
Sister Nilda is 91 years old and will celebrate the 70th anniversary of religious profession in January 2026. She currently lives and works at the Colégio Auxiliadora in Campo Grande, capital of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in Our Lady Aparecida Province (BAP).
Her experience is closely linked to the Center for Studies for Minors and Integration in the Community (CEMIC), which currently assists around 500 children, adolescents, and young people and which will celebrate 60 years of its foundation in 2027. During the ceremony, CEMIC students participated with exciting performances, which received applause from those present.
Despite her advanced age and some health problems, Sister Nilda keeps her active, thoughtful, and searching spirit alive. In April of last year, she published, “Blessed Laura Vicuña. A story of faith and graces obtained through the intercession of the girl Blessed, to celebrate the 133 years since the birth of Blessed Laura Vicuña, affectionately known as “Laurita”. The launch was carried out as part of the celebrations for the opening of the centenary of the Colégio Auxiliadora in Campo Grandee. (video)
On 24 October, during the event, “Histories and Legacies” promoted by the University Center of Lins (UNILINS), Sister Mirian Angélica Leopoldo dos Santos was awarded for her work at the helm of CEMIC. The event brought together UNILINS partner people and institutions, highlighting their social legacies and projects.
During the ceremony, the institutions involved, their leaders, and the projects developed in collaboration with the university were presented. UNILINS maintains a strong social presence together with CEMIC, offering courses in the Blue Zone, holding conferences for young apprentices, and preparing adolescents to enter this important program.
Sister Mirian has directed CEMIC for five years and her dedication has been recognized as a legacy of commitment, attention, and essential contribution to the maintenance and growth of the social work. UNILINS currently employs 16 young people from CEMIC as apprentices in various sectors, praising the quality of preparation and service offered by these young people.
The collaboration between CEMIC and UNILINS has now lasted for almost 58 years. At the beginning of the establishment, two engineers and four interns from the University Center participated in the design and construction of the first block of CEMIC, with community involvement in collective work.
In addition to technical and professional training, UNILINS offers scholarships to young people who wish to enroll in the university, renowned for its Engineering course.
The event was accompanied by musical performances, including that of a group of young people from CEMIC. The guests of honor received an iron trophy, symbol of the movement and the strength of collective work, created by the artist Roberto Queiroz.
Congratulations to the two FMAs awarded, with the hope that their example of dedication will continue to contribute to the fruitfulness of the work of the social works of the BAP Province and of the entire FMA Institute.
