Blessed Rani Maria Vattalil
A Clarist sister killed on a bus after helping landless farmers in Madhya Pradesh
- Rank
- Blessed
- Kind
- Virgin, Martyr, Religious
- Life
- 1954 – 1995
- Era
- 20th century
- Feast
- 25 February
- Countries
- India
Life story
She was born on 29 January 1954 at Pulluvazhy in Ernakulam district, Kerala. She entered the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) at Kidangoor, made first vows on 1 May 1974 and final vows on 22 May 1980. She worked as a teacher, social-action coordinator and local superior, and earned a sociology degree from Rewa University.
She was assigned to the diocese of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, where she did catechetical, educational and social work. She helped poor landless farmers understand their rights and escape ruinous loans. According to the sources, this work displeased some landlords and moneylenders.
On 25 February 1995, while she travelled on a bus near Indore, a man named Samundar Singh stabbed her many times. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, and reports say the killing was arranged by landowners. Singh was released in 2006 and was forgiven by her family.
Her remains were reburied on 18 November 2016. Pope Francis approved her martyrdom on 23 March 2017 and she was beatified at Indore on 4 November 2017. She is the first Clarist sister to be beatified.
Works and witness
- Taught and coordinated social work in the diocese of Indore
- Helped landless farmers learn their rights
- Stabbed to death on a bus near Indore on 25 February 1995
- Her killer was sentenced to life, later forgiven by her family
- Beatified on 4 November 2017
Saints from the same country
References
- Decree of martyrdom approved by Pope Francis, 23 March 2017
- Holy See Press Office, beatification of 4 November 2017
- Franciscan Clarist Congregation, biography of Sister Rani Maria
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.