"May they keep hope": the message from Sister André, 117 years old, who defeated the Covid

It is 3:30 p.m. and Sister André is still having a nap.

Is she awake?

Ah, there it is.

We will finally be able to talk to the dean of Europe, whose existence began in 1904. From her bed at the Sainte-Catherine Labouré nursing home in Toulon, where she entered in 2009, the nun agreed to answer us by phone this Tuesday, February 9, two days before his birthday.

"Oh, I'm woozy, you know, you can't get to 117 years old without being tired," immediately attacks Lucile Randon, whose real name is her, the second oldest person in the world.

Behind the handset, the voice is tired but the flow is surprisingly alert.

It must be said that in addition to being a seasoned centenary, Sister André has just knocked out the Covid.

In January, the virus entered the nursing home, contaminating 81 of the 88 residents and killing ten.

On the 16th, the devout Catholic also tested positive for the virus.

Without feeling any symptoms.

Miracle of the body or of religion?

“I didn't know I had it, I didn't feel anything and I slept.

Like the other infected residents, she is isolated in her 12 m2 room on the third floor, facing the street.

Only a caregiver is allowed to enter.

Blind for several years, in a wheelchair, she needs, as she says, annoyed, "permanent assistance".

"I prayed for the youth and I waited"

What has she been doing all these days?

“I prayed for the youth and I waited,” she says soberly.

"This is his main message, patience," recalls the communications manager David Tavella, at his side to facilitate the exchange.

"Finally, she has her limits, alone in her room, it's not funny", cuts the old lady.

To all those who are victims of this epidemic, Sister André sends them a message: "May they keep hope, fight, fight to heal and set an example," she urges.

For the past week, the nun has once again been able to “go out” and have lunch in the community in the dining room.

His habits have not changed: getting up between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., going to bed around 6.30 p.m. and taking a nap in the afternoon.

When she is not resting, the dean listens to prayers and enjoys walks in the garden.

“We talk a lot, she likes to talk a lot,” says David Tavella.

He is a very endearing person ”.

Sister André tells her about her very long life from the Spanish Flu to the two world wars.

“Talking with her is like leafing through an Almanac, started in 1904”.

His favorite dessert: the Norwegian omelette

Born in Alès in the Gard, in a non-practicing Protestant family, Lucile Randon became a very young governess in Marseille and tutor in wealthy houses in Paris, like the Peugeot.

Then she converted to Catholicism, took orders and took care of orphans for 28 years, at the Vichy hospital, from 1945.

How does it feel to be 117?

"I'm still going to be an extra burden for the one who takes care of me, I don't like it," she says.

But the party the staff is preparing for her should delight her.

On the program, a videoconference with his little nephews and great-grand-nephews, then a mass and a lunch.

On the menu, his favorite dessert, the famous Norwegian omelette.

But also a small desire, entrusted to David.

The vice-dean of humanity would like to taste "very fresh peas".

In the meantime, Sister André must rest.

She protests.

"But I only do that".