Mother Mariam Thresia of Kerala declared a saint by Pope Francis

On Sunday, Pope Francis declared Mother Mariam Thresia of Kerala, a saint in a ceremony held in the Vatican City. On the sidelines of this ceremony, people in India gather at the shrine of Mother Mariam Thresia at Kuzhikkattussery in Thrissur. The Pope had formally approved the canonisation of Sister Mariam Thresia, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family, at an ordinary public consistory of cardinals on causes of canonisation at the Vatican on July 1.

Heads of state from across the world participated in the Vatican ceremony, which will also raise a Swiss laywoman, and an Italian nun to the highest position along with Mother Mariam Thresia within the centuries-old institution. The ceremony was attended by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan.

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PM Modi on Mariam Thresia

Earlier in his 'Mann ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tribute to Mother Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan. During his address, PM spoke about Mother Mariam Thresia's contribution towards the society. 

Talking to the nation PM Modi said, "Sister Mariam Thresia, a great personality who would be declared as a saint by Pope Francis on October 13 in Vatican City, Italy. It is a proud moment for every Indian citizen. Sister Mariam Thresia in just 50 years of the short span has proven to be an inspiration for the whole world with her goodness and humanitarian deeds. Her work toward the betterment of the people and society has proven to be an example for everyone. Be it social service or education she was always helpful in all matters." 

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About Mother Mariam Thresia

She was born in Puthenchira in Thrissur district on April 26, 1876, and died in Kuzhikkattussery on June 8, 1926. The nun was declared venerable on June 28, 1999, and beatified on April 9, 2000, by Pope St John Paul II in Rome. She was professed in 1914. The foundress and the first member of the Congregation of the Holy Family, Mother Mariam Thresia belongs to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. The Vatican had earlier declared three Kerala-born Indian Catholics as Saints. While Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia were canonised into the league of saints by Pope Francis in 2014, sister Alphonsa was declared a saint in 2008.

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(with ANI inputs)