REPORTAGE
She is one of the deans of the French. Sister André celebrated her 116th birthday Tuesday in Toulon, in the retirement home where she has lived for more than ten years. A small ceremony was organized for the occasion, which Europe 1 attended.
His longevity secret? "I worked with courage and happiness"
Always elegant, in a white blouse and small navy blue cardigan, Sister André appreciates the company and does not hesitate to reveal her secrets of longevity. "I don't know, three times I've been dying and I'm still here. I have worked in my life with courage and happiness," she said. Sister André was governess in several families, in Paris and in the provinces, before entering the orders belatedly (at 41 years old).
"I listen to the radio, the news. I pray for part of the time, but I'm not very greedy anymore. On the other hand, chocolate is fine," she says cheekily.
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Her advice to children: "Be generous, give your heart around you"
Sister André, Lucile Randon for civil status, also likes to meet children, like those who came to sing specially for her on the occasion of her birthday. "Be generous, be courageous, give your heart around you and you will make people happy," she advises them.
But then what can we wish him for his 116 years? "May the good Lord call me as soon as possible. But his head is hard, he doesn't listen to me," she replies with humor. Sister André will have enjoyed her birthday with a good lunch, and her favorite dessert: a Norwegian omelet.