Gloria Contreras González entered the world on the 19th of April, 1919 in Puerto de la Cruz. However, she later resided in various locations such as Garachico, Los Silos, La Laguna, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Her religious calling led her to explore different destinations across Spain.
Her decision to embrace her vocation was greatly influenced by her forward-thinking father, who made it a priority to ensure that his daughters received an education, paving the way for their future success.
Known as Sister Gloria or Mother Contreras within the Pureza de María religious congregation, she embodies faith in her daily life, showcasing her deep-rooted beliefs through practical actions rather than relying on repetitive theoretical arguments.
Beyond all else, she is a knowledgeable and cultured individual. Even at the age of 105, her speech is clear, she remains well-informed on political matters, continues to find joy in reading, and efficiently uses her mobile phone. In a time when women’s education was restricted to activities like sewing, drawing, and piano lessons, she pursued studies in Teaching and Chemistry, eventually taking the vows as a nun.
Her journey was not devoid of challenges. She tragically lost her mother at a young age, leaving her father, who worked at the Fyffes establishment, to send her to live with her grandmother in Los Silos. Subsequently, she moved to Garachico with her father after he remarried, expanding the family with three sisters and a brother. She vividly recalls the various streets where they resided: Blanco, Pérez Zamora, and the one adjacent to Plaza del Charco, as well as Iriarte.
Due to political circumstances at that time, the family relocated to Garachico, a decision made succinctly by her father without elaborate explanations. They were entrusted to manage the properties of the Marchioness of Villafuerte, and they relocated to a house overlooking a soccer field. From there, she remembers the unfortunate incident where her young brother lost his life in a traffic accident while playing with neighbouring girls, a memory tinged with her father’s grief of wanting a son after having several daughters.
As there was no high school available in Villa y Puerto, Gloria commuted daily to Icod de los Vinos for her studies, riding on buses during a time when the roads were not as developed as today. Despite the challenges, she found happiness in her educational pursuits.
Her studies were disrupted during the Civil War era when teachers were called to serve on the front lines, prompting her to relocate once again, this time to La Laguna under the care of her aunt Ángela, her father’s sibling.
With the imposition of gender-segregated education, women were compelled to move to Santa Cruz, while men remained in the City of the Adelantados. Gloria resided in the capital temporarily with family friends before being accompanied by her aunt Rosa to complete her high school education at a religious school run by La Pureza, an experience that eventually ignited her religious calling.
After successfully completing high school and undertaking a challenging State Exam, Gloria was studying Pharmacy in La Laguna when her father questioned her career choice one day, leading her to reconsider her path. Motivated by her deepening faith, she seized an opportunity to study in Mallorca alongside a group of nuns. There, she dedicated herself to her studies, completed her novitiate and teaching qualifications, all while coping with the loss of her father.
When the opportunity arose to study Chemistry in Valencia, she accepted without hesitation. Upon completing her studies, she returned to La Pureza school in Santa Cruz de Tenerife as a teacher for eleven years. Subsequently, her congregation appointed her as an advisor, a role that enabled her to travel extensively throughout Latin America, including Bolivia, Nicaragua, and intermittently to Caracas. She also assumed the position of General of Studies, overseeing the educational programs of all affiliated schools. It was during this time that she crossed paths with Sister Marta Monfort, forming a professional relationship that later blossomed into a lasting companionship. Sister Monfort, described as an individual renowned for her fairness and clarity in explanations, eventually assumed the role of principal at La Pureza de Los Realejos school when they reunited.
United in their work, their bond remains unbreakable. Both coexist within the congregation’s community at Los Realejos school and engage in card games, with Rummy being a staple pastime. Despite Sister Gloria’s admission of being outplayed due to her companion’s agility and mental acuity, she jests about how her counterpart, at 105 years old, still has the nimbleness of youth.
Aside from community engagements, Sister Gloria’s daily routine includes evening phone calls with her surviving sister and friends, as well as indulging in current affairs and literature, from newspapers to books. She remains keen on staying informed about global politics amid what she describes as “peculiar times”, occasionally swapping copies to delve into more captivating articles and underlining noteworthy passages.
When asked about her thoughts on Pope Francis, she expresses admiration for his efforts to address contemporary issues and revitalise stagnant practices within the Catholic Church. She believes in his sincerity in championing necessary reforms, albeit acknowledging the need for intellectual and spiritually-grounded individuals to support and guide him through the process.
Former students frequently visit her, share snacks, and join in the festivities on her birthday, underscoring the impact of her 105 years of faithful living. Gloria Contreras remains humble, attributing her longevity and fulfilment to divine grace rather than any personal accomplishments.
