Vatican City, Rome: The Canonization process of Bl. Mariam Thressia has gained momentum in Rome. The foundress of the Holy Family Congregation, is going to be declared a saint on the 13th of October, 2019 at the St. Peter’s Basilica by His Holiness Pope Francis. She is the fifth of all the saints canonized from India after St. Alphonsamma, St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, St. Euphrasia and St. Mother Teresa respectively.
The process is headed by the Mar Stephen Chirappanath, the Apostolic Visitator of the Syro Malabar Church in Europe. In the said commission, Rev. Fr. Cherian Varikattu, the Parish Vicar of San Thome Church in Rome, Sr. Udaya CHF, the Superior General of Holy Family Congregation, Rev. Fr. Benedict Vadakkekara OMF CAP, the Postulator for Canonization Procedures and Rev. Fr. Cherian Thunduparambil CMI, the Procurator General of the Congregation were selected as the conveners.
Many departments were deployed further, to ensure all endeavors are fulfilled on time. Initiating the process of canonization, on the eve of the 13th, the Prefect of the Vatican Congregation, Cardinal Angelo Becciu will lead the special prayer service at the Maria Majora Major Basilica in Rome. Following the prayer service, on the morning of 13th October, Sunday, the Pontiff would canonize Bl. Mariam Thressia along with Bl. John Henry Newman, Bl. Giuseppina Vannini, Bl. Dulce Lopes Pontes and Bl. Marguerite Bays.
After the conclusion of all the processes of Canonization, a special thanksgiving mass would be offered at the Basilica of St. Anastasia, by the Indian Syro Malabar Archbishop, Cardinal Mar George Alenchery. As per reports, multitudes are believed to visit and witness the canonization festivities from around the world.
