Mariam Thresia Chiramel

Tomb of St. Mariam Thresia

Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan (26 April 1876 – 8 June 1926) was an Indian Syro-Malabar Catholic nun and the founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family. She was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church on 13 October 2019 by Pope Francis. Mariam Thresia is known for her extraordinary charity, mysticism, and ecstatic visions. Her life and work were dedicated to the care of the poor, the sick, and the marginalized in the state of Kerala, India.

Early Life

Mariam Thresia was born in the village of Puthenchira in Thrissur District, Kerala, India, into the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, a Eastern Catholic community. She was the third of five children in the Chiramel Mankidiyan family. From a young age, she exhibited a deep piety and a desire to dedicate her life to Jesus Christ. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of her mother at a young age, her faith remained unwavering.

Spiritual Life and Visions

From her teenage years, Mariam Thresia experienced mystical visions and underwent several spiritual trials. She claimed to have visions of the Holy Family, and these experiences deepened her commitment to living a life of prayer and penance. Her spiritual director, Father Joseph Vithayathil, guided her through these experiences and later became the co-founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family.

Founding of the Congregation of the Holy Family

In 1914, with the blessing of her spiritual director and the local bishop, Mariam Thresia founded the Congregation of the Holy Family. The congregation was established with the aim of serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, reflecting Mariam Thresia's lifelong commitment to charity and service. Under her leadership, the congregation grew, and its members became known for their work in education, healthcare, and social service.

Canonization

Mariam Thresia was beatified on 9 April 2000 by Pope John Paul II and was canonized as a saint on 13 October 2019 by Pope Francis. Her canonization was celebrated in India and by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church worldwide, recognizing her contributions to the church and society.

Legacy

Saint Mariam Thresia's legacy continues through the work of the Congregation of the Holy Family, which remains active in India and abroad. Her life is a testament to the power of faith, charity, and dedication to the welfare of others. She is remembered as a mystic, a visionary, and a saint who lived her life in service to God and humanity.