MODERN SAINTS - ST. MARIAM THRESIA | KAIROS GLOBAL | NOVEMBR 2019

Born: April 26, 1876

Died: June 8 , 1926

Feast: June 8

Author:  Sharrol Jose

Mariam Thresia was born on April 26, 1876, as the third of five children to Thomman and Thanda in the village of Puthenchira, in Thrissur District in Kerala. Although her family had once been rich and noble, by the time Thresia was born, they had fallen on hard times, and having had to sell their property, lived in poverty. To make matters worse, Thresia’s father began drinking heavily, plunging the family further into the realms of poverty and social prejudice. Hence Thresia could easily relate to and understand the pain of the poor and underprivileged. The living conditions she experienced growing up inspired her later to spread mercy into many peoples’ lives, with zeal and perseverance. 

Thresia, as a child, turned to the Blessed Mother, praying the Rosary several times each day, as well as fasting to unite herself with the sufferings of Christ. She grew up in piety and holiness under the loving guidance of her saintly mother, who narrated to her the Passion of Christ and how Christ has shed His blood for her. This inspired her to receive Jesus Christ as her spiritual spouse. Her intense love for God made her give herself up to a life of austerity even at the tender age of five, when she would spread gravel on the floor and use a stone as her pillow. Her mother taught her to recite the Holy Rosary. Yet, despite her mother’s encouragement to eat, given that she had grown quite thin, Thresia persisted in her suffering for the salvation of the world, fasting four times per week and consecrated herself and her virginity to the Lord. 

When she was about 11 years old, she would spend the night in prayer while others were sound asleep. At midnight she would recite the entire Holy Rosary, meditating on the suffering and passion of Christ. In the morning, she would help her mother, nurse the sick and decorate the sanctuary along with her companions – utilizing the time to lead them to a life of prayer. Her mother passed away when Thresia was only 12 years old. However, the Blessed Virgin Mary remained her source of consolation during her times of suffering. Even at night she used to walk long distances to visit the sick and serve them.  

On April 30 1902, providence brought the young priest Fr Joseph Vithayathil to her village, and he would become her spiritual guide till her death 24 years later. Thresia experienced a lot of extraordinary mystical experiences as well as diabolical attacks, most of which was viewed with suspicion by the people around her. With wisdom, knowledge and holiness Fr Joseph realised that all that was happening to Thresia had a divine origin.

For three years, the Almighty let her suffer a series of demonic attacks – causing immense physical agony, tempting her to do evil and preventing her from attending the Holy Mass. Often the Blessed Virgin Mary would send Thresia’s Spiritual Director, Fr. Joseph Vithayathil, to exorcize satan, who would stay away for a while. It was Mother Mary, who during one of her apparitions suggested that she add ‘Mariam’ (Mary) to her name. Thus she renamed herself as ‘Mariam Thresia’.

It must have been the will of the Heavenly Father that Mariam Thresia be subjected to the trials and temptation of devil as a preparation to receive the five wounds of the crucified Christ and several other blessings. The souls in purgatory also requested the prayers of Sr. Mariam Thresia. The Blessed Virgin often told Mariam Thresia to visit the sick and the dying in the Parish. On January 27 1909, while praying and meditating at midnight, The Divine redeemer and Mother Mary gave the stigmata to her. 

Mariam Thresia became a blessing to all families she visited, spreading the unconditional love of God to everyone. She displayed God’s power through prayer. At the age of 37, Mariam Thresia founded the Congregation of the “Sisters of the Holy Family”. 

During a church visit, amidst the crowds, a glass slab fell on Mariam Thresia’s leg and wounded her. It festered and became very serious and she knew that it would lead to her death. She called for her spiritual guide Fr Joseph Vithayathil and handed over the responsibilities of leading the congregation. She called all the sisters of her congregation and told them to “Love one another, Help one another”. This was the last advice she gave the members of her congregation. Her final words were: "Jesus, Mary and Joseph; I give you my heart and my soul" – she then closed her eyes and left for her heavenly abode on 8^th June 1926, at the age of 50.

Mariam Thresia’s principle in life was “God, let your will be done”. Whatever God wished, at whatever time, she fulfilled that for the sake of sinners – for their repentance, for their families and their souls. She had only one desire, that no soul be lost. 

Mariam Thresia was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 9 2000 in Vatican, and canonised on October 13, 2019 by Pope Francis at Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City. Her feast is celebrated on June 8. 

Quick Facts

1876 - Born in Puthenchira, Thrissur District,Kerala India

1905 - Received the stigmata

1914 - Founded the Congregation of the Holy Family 

2000 - Beatified by Pope John Paul II

2019 – Canonized by Pope Francis