“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
Sr. Rani Maria, the heroic missionary has been declared as ‘Blessed’ in the much-awaited beatification ceremony which was held at St. Paul Higher Secondary School Ground, Indore. This day (4th November) would be remembered by each faithful who were gathered at the venue to witness this eternal moment of beatification as the day of fulfilment. The fulfilment of justice, the fulfilment of peace, the fulfilment of promises that the Lord Almighty had given for them who obeys him. The beatification ceremony began at 10:00 am with a welcome speech by His Excellency Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal in which he highlighted that every vocational call is a radiating one since that call comes from the Lord Almighty. His Grace also emphasized that Blessed Rani Maria has fulfilled her mission and has responded to her call with full dedication and love. After which, the rites of beatification began and Sr. Starlie FCC explained the life and death of Bl. Rani Maria in English while Fr. Michael John explained it in Hindi.
His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect of Congregation for the causes of saints, read out the letter/circular of Holy Father Pope Francis in Latin, conveying the official declaration of the beatification of the heroic missionary, the circular was read out in English by His Eminence Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church and in Hindi by His Lordship Cardinal Telesphore Toppo of Ranchi. The heaven rejoiced when His Eminence Cardinal Amato blessed the statue, photo and the relic of Blessed Rani Maria, which were brought to the altar by the nuns of FCC, family members of Bl. Rani Maria and representatives from Indore and Ernakulam diocese, during which the choir sang a beautiful hymn on Sr. Rani Maria for the very first time.
His Eminence Cardinal Amato emphasized the humbleness and simplicity of Bl. Rani Maria and termed her as a protagonist who sacrificed her life for justice. His Lordship Cardinal also highlighted the happiness and joy of the Catholic Churches all over the world for this heavenly beatification. The Holy Mass purely established Blessed Rani Maria as a true missionary in the hearts of the faithful.
The beatification ceremony ended at 1:00 pm and the faithful once again remembered the promise given by the Lord Almighty to his people: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) . May the story of Blessed Rani Maria inspire the world to be a determined and courageous missionary for the Lord Almighty.
