Indian Catholics are preparing for the beatification of Sr. Rani Maria, an Indian Syro-Malabar professed religious and a social worker in the Franciscan Clarist Congregation in the Diocese of Indore, who was vocal in matters of social justice, which led to her death in the hands of those who were opposed to her efforts in helping poor and downtrodden, which is going to be held on November 4, 2017 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The church leaders believe that the upcoming beatification of Sr. Rani Maria will be an inspiration for India’s persecuted Christians.
As reported by ucanindia.in, Paul Abraham, a Catholic writer based in Madhya Pradesh where attacks on Christians are frequently reported, remarked that “Her beatification (Sr. Rani Maria), obviously is going to be a great source of inspiration for the Church in India that faces persecution, her death and life will become a focus for local Christian communities.” Further, he added, “Her dedication for the poor that challenged the powerful landlords and her determination to withstand threats for her Christian mission till her death will inspire local Christians who on a daily basis face harassment.”
Christians make up just under 0.3 percent of some 73 million people in Madhya Pradesh, with the vast majority (90%) Hindus, according to India’s 2011 census.
