Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Mar 9: Co-foundress of Mangaluru Carmel Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified (Mariam Baouardy) will be canonized on May 17, 2015 by Pope Francis in Vatican.

This was announced at a press meet at Sacred Heart Church, Kankanady here on Monday March 9.

Addressing the media, Fr Pius James D’Souza briefed about the canonization process and said, "Sister Mary of Jesus Crucified was beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 13, 1983 and is scheduled to be canonized on May 17, 2015 by Pope Francis. On the same day, spiritual and cultural programmes will be announced in her honour which will take place after May 17."

Mother Mary Celine spoke about the Mangaluru Carmel society and said, "The Mangaluru Carmel society was founded by the initiative of Bishop Marie Ephrem, drawing personnel from the Carmel of Pau in France. In the first batch, six sisters came along with three Apostolic Carmelites but three of them died on the way. They along with the Apostolic Carmel sisters were accommodated at St Ann's Convent near Holy Rosary Cathedral Mangaluru not far from the port where they had disembarked. They lived there for twelve years. It was here that Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified manifested her paranormal phenomenon of levitation and prophecy. Unable to interpret these signs rightly, she was asked by the concerned authorities to return to France”.

“Soon after, Msgr Cavadini, the first Jesuit of Mangaluru, acquired extensive lands around Kankanady, which today accommodates the prestigious Inter-diocesan seminary, St Joseph's Industries and Fr Muller's multi-specialty Hospital along with the Cloistered Carmel. This Carmel, sponsored by a rich French nobleman, George Count of Nedonchelle, stands in the midst of this 'Eastern Rome' as a light house of interior life and love lived in fraternal communion, prophetically challenging even today the consciences of passers-by and inviting them for prayer and communion with God”, she said.

“The Karnataka Goa Province of Carmelites owes much to this Carmel, as they put themselves to inconvenience for helping in the construction and furnishing of Mangaluru Carmel Hill foundation; and also took good care of the pioneers for many years. This Carmel is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In its 142 years of history, it has given birth to Trichy Carmel, Shembaganur Carmel and that of Hassan”, she added.

Sr Mary Imelda OCD, Sr Jacintha OCD, Sr Linette AC, Fr Antony George, Sr Linette AC, Elias Fernandes, Stanly Bantwal, Hilda Madtha and others were also present on the occasion.