Church beatifies nun

Thrissur, Kerala, Dec 3 (UNI) The Syro-Malabar Church Major Arch Bishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil today proclaimed Mother Venerable Euphrasia as 'Blessed' by reading the Apostolic Letter of Pope Benedict XVI.

Bishops, priests, nuns and laity witnessed the beatification ceremony held at the 'Euphrasia' Nagar in St Antony's Forane Church at Ollur, near here this evening.

The ceremony began with a concelebrated Holy Qurbana led by Cardinal Vithayathil. The Bishops visited the tomb of Blessed Euprasia in St Mary's Convent at Ollur.

Mother Euphrasia is the fifth to be beatified in the Syro Malabar Church in Kerala.

Mother Euphrasia, popularly known as 'Praying Mother', was born on October 17, 1877 in Kattoor village.

She joined the Carmelite Sisters at Konnammavu, at 12 and took the vows on January 10, 1898.

She passed away on August 29, 1952. Her piety, ascetical practices, humility and charity were commended in her life time. She was declared 'Venerable' on July 5, 2002.

Thomas Tharakan from Anchery was said to be miraculously cured of cancer on December 4, 1997 through her intercession in the Jubilee Mission Hospital. Pope Benedict XVI approved the miracle and gave consent for beatification.

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