Mariam Thresia Chiramel
Mariam Thresia Chiramel was an Indian Syro-Malabar Catholic professed religious and the founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family. She is remembered for her apostolic work, spiritual experiences including the stigmata, and her canonization by the Catholic Church. She pushed for strict adherence to religious rules among her community.
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- India
Key Facts
- ›She was born Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan on April 26, 1876, in Puthenchira, Kerala, India.
- ›She founded the Congregation of the Holy Family on may 14, 1914.
- ›Mariam Thresia experienced visions, ecstasies, and received the stigmata.
- ›She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 9, 2000.
- ›She was canonized by Pope Francis on October 13, 2019, after the approval of a second miracle attributed to her.
- ›Her spiritual director was Joseph Vithayathil from 1902 until her death.
Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan
Congregation of the Holy Family
About Mariam Thresia Chiramel
Mariam Thresia Chiramel, born Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan on April 26, 1876, was an Indian Syro-Malabar Catholic professed religious and the founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family. She is venerated for her profound spiritual life, which included frequent visions, ecstasies, and the manifestation of the stigmata. Her life was dedicated to apostolic work, particularly among the poor, and she emphasized strict adherence to religious rules within her order.
Life and Ministry
Born in Puthenchira, Kerala, Mariam Thresia came from a family that had experienced a decline in wealth. Her early life was marked by piety, including severe fasts and night vigils, which her mother tried to dissuade her from. After her mother's death in 1888, she dedicated herself to contemplation. She made a private vow of chastity in 1886 and later desired to be called "Mariam" after a perceived vision.
Mariam Thresia engaged in apostolic work with other women, assisting poor families. After initial attempts to join other religious congregations proved unsuccessful, she was asked by Archbishop John Menachery to join the Carmelites, which she did briefly. In 1913, she established a house at Puthenchira, and on May 14, 1914, she founded the Congregation of the Holy Family, serving as its first superior.
Spiritual Experiences and Death
She experienced significant spiritual phenomena, including the stigmata, which first appeared in 1905 and became more visible in 1909. She also reportedly suffered demonic attacks. In her final year, a leg wound from an accident festered, exacerbated by diabetes. She received the last sacraments on June 7, 1926, and died at 10 pm on June 8, 1926, with her final words being "Jesus, Mary and Joseph; I give you my heart and my soul."
Canonization
The process for her beatification began in 1982. She was declared Venerable on June 28, 1999, by Pope John Paul II, recognizing her heroic virtue. Following the investigation and approval of two miracles attributed to her intercession, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 9, 2000. Pope Francis approved a second miracle in early 2019, leading to her canonization on October 13, 2019.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mariam Thresia Chiramel born and when did she die?
Mariam Thresia Chiramel was born on April 26, 1876, and she died on June 8, 1926.
What is Mariam Thresia Chiramel known for founding?
She is known for founding the Congregation of the Holy Family, a religious order dedicated to apostolic work.
What spiritual experiences did Mariam Thresia Chiramel have?
She was known for experiencing frequent visions and ecstasies, and for receiving the stigmata, which she kept hidden.
When was Mariam Thresia Chiramel declared a saint?
Mariam Thresia Chiramel was beatified on April 9, 2000, by Pope John Paul II and canonized on October 13, 2019, by Pope Francis.
Where did Mariam Thresia Chiramel live?
She was born and lived in Puthenchira, a village in present-day Kerala, India.
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