Guildford Italian Seventh-day Adventist Church recently celebrated the 102nd birthday of its oldest member, Maria Miglionico.
Born on November 21, 1922, in Potenza Basilicata, southern Italy—a region near a famous Blue Zone—Ms Miglionico has lived through some of history’s most challenging times, including the aftermath of World War I and the Spanish Flu, and endured the challenges of World War II and the Great Depression. Despite these hardships, her life has been shaped by her faith and dedication to sharing her beliefs.
Raised Catholic, she became an Adventist in 1955 after attending Bible studies with her sister. Despite facing opposition and persecution in her village, Ms Miglionico’s efforts inspired her parents and another sister to join the church.
She played a key role in growing a small Adventist group in her community to more than 100 by 1956. Over the years, she faced challenges, including an earthquake in 1980 that destroyed their worship building in Italy and an arson attack on her home in 2017. Following the fire, she moved to Sydney to live with her son and daughter-in-law.
Still living in Sydney, Ms Miglionico remains active and engaged in her faith. She begins each day at 5 am with Bible study and writes her reflections in a diary. “I don’t know when God will call me, but until then, I will carry on faithfully to share the gospel of His saving grace,” she said during her birthday celebration.
The gathering at Guildford Church on November 21 included her family and church members.
