Joana Angélica
Sister Joana Angélica de Jesus, registered as Joanna Angelica de Jesus (December 12, 1761 – February 19, 1822) was a Brazilian Conceptionist nun, belonging to the Reformed Order of Our Lady of Conception, and martyr of the Brazilian Independence.
Sóror Joana Angelica de Jesus | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Sister Joana Angélica, by Domenico Failutti | |
| Born | December 12, 1761 Salvador, Capitaincy of Bahia, Brazil |
| Died | February 19, 1822 (aged 60) |
| Occupation | Catholic nun |
Born during the colonial period, she died at age 60, stabbed by a bayonet blow when resisting the invasion of the Convent of Lapa, in Salvador, by Portuguese troops. She became, thus, the first heroine of the independence of Brazil.
The nun became known as saying the famous phrase: “Para trás, bandidos! Respeitai a casa de Deus! Só entrarão passando por cima do meu cadáver! (Back off, bandits! Respect the house of God. You will only get in over my dead body!)”. However, an extensive document search concerning the life of Joana Angelica found no evidence that the phrase was in fact uttered by the sister.