The Courageous Journey of Blessed Rani Maria: A Light for the Oppressed

Early Life and Religious Calling  

Mariam Vattalil was born on 29 January 1954 in Kerala, India, as the second of seven children to Paily and Eliswa Vattalil. After completing her secondary education, she joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, taking the religious name Rani Maria upon entering the novitiate.  

A Life Dedicated to Missionary Work 

Guided by her life’s motto—"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the Good News to the poor" (Lk 4:18)—she dedicated herself to serving the poor and oppressed. She worked in the missions of Bijnor (1975-1983), Oadgady (1983-1992), and Udainagar (1992-1995), striving to uplift those in need. Recognising her divine calling, she once wrote:  

"I am deeply convinced that I am called to work for the poor and the oppressed. I am ready to die for them because they are children of God and, as such, our sisters and brothers."

Empowering the Poor and Challenging Injustice  

After several transfers, she earned a degree in sociology from Rewa University and settled in Udainagar. There, she dedicated herself to the landless poor, who were often treated as little more than slaves. She organised women into self-help groups and guided them in financial planning, helping them escape the grip of ruthless local moneylenders.  

Her love for the poor was expressed through various mission activities aimed at both individual and social upliftment, particularly among tribal communities. However, her work put her in direct conflict with powerful moneylenders and exploitative figures, who saw her efforts as a threat to their control.  

Martyrdom: A Sacrifice for Justice  

On 25 February 1995, while travelling by bus to Indore en route to her hometown, she was brutally attacked. Samundar Singh, acting at the behest of moneylenders angered by her social work, stabbed her 54 times (40 stab wounds and 14 bruises) in front of more than 50 passengers near Udainagar, Madhya Pradesh. Even as she suffered, the 41-year-old nun repeatedly uttered one word: “Jesus.”  

A Legacy of Forgiveness and Faith 

Despite the brutality of her death, her family chose the path of forgiveness, embracing her murderer as one of their own.  Blessed Rani Maria’s legacy of faith, courage, and compassion continues to inspire aid workers, missionaries, and all who strive for justice.

By Tungthang Zou