Congregation of Jesus Mary Joseph

01 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2026

The final years of Sr. Mary of the Sacred Heart were a profound testimony of faith, courage, and selfless love. Though burdened by severe illness and constant pain, she remained steadfast in her dedication to God, the sick, and the poor. Her suffering became a silent yet powerful apostolate, revealing her complete trust in Divine Providence.

From 1955 onwards, Sr. Mary’s health declined rapidly. She suffered from severe rheumatism, heart complications, and increasing physical weakness. In June 1955, she underwent a hernia operation at Vani Vilas Hospital, Bangalore. Although the surgery was successful, serious complications followed, including repeated heart attacks and persistent pain affecting her spine, shoulders, and limbs. Breathlessness, swelling, and exhaustion became part of her daily struggle. Yet, even in moments of intense suffering, she remained more concerned about others than about herself.

During her illness, Sr. Mary found strength in prayer, the Holy Eucharist, and deep union with Christ. Confined to bed for long periods at St. Stanislaus Convent, Bangalore, she participated in Holy Mass from her room and devoted herself to prayer and reflection. Priests and Sisters who visited her witnessed her serenity, patience, and unwavering faith. She accepted every suffering with remarkable peace, offering it for the Church and the people she loved.

Although physically weak, Sr. Mary continued to contribute actively to Catholic healthcare and medical ethics. She corresponded with Church authorities, supported the Catholic Hospital Association of India, and participated in discussions on important moral issues related to medicine. Even when her illness prevented active ministry, she continued her work through writing, administration, and translation projects, including the revision of the Holy Rule from Dutch into English.

In April 1956, because of her worsening condition, she was permanently transferred from Guntur to Bangalore for better medical care. Leaving Guntur - the place of her lifelong mission - was deeply painful, but she accepted the decision with humility and obedience. By then, cancer had spread to her bones, causing unbearable pain and making her completely bedridden. Despite this, those around her were deeply moved by her cheerfulness, gratitude, humour, and unwavering trust in God. Sr. Mary’s contributions to Catholic healthcare received recognition not only in India but also internationally. Her writings on medical morality and her leadership in healthcare ministry inspired many within the Church and beyond.

During the final months of her life, her suffering intensified as cancer affected her spine and bones. Eventually she lost the ability to write and became entirely dependent on others. Yet her spirit remained strong and prayerful. During Holy Week of 1957, as her condition became critical, she repeatedly received the Last Sacraments and spent her final days praying with the Sisters gathered around her bedside. Her constant prayers - “Jesus, Mary, Joseph” and “My God, I love You” - reflected the depth of her faith and love. On 05 May 1957, Good Shepherd Sunday, Sr. Mary of the Sacred Heart peacefully entered eternal life at St. Philomena’s Hospital, Bangalore, at the age of 69. She was buried at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Bangalore, in the presence of Church leaders, religious Sisters, priests, and numerous faithful. Many recalled the remarkable peace and radiance on her face after death.

Though she died in Bangalore, the people of Guntur continued to cherish her memory with deep affection and gratitude. In 2016, during the diocesan process for her beatification and canonization, her mortal remains were transferred to Guntur and enshrined at the Sr. Mary Glowrey Memorial Prayer Hall. Sr. Mary of the Sacred Heart remains a shining example of Christian charity, humility, heroic endurance, and loving service. Her life continues to inspire the Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus Mary Joseph and countless faithful who see in her a witness of total surrender to God and compassionate service to humanity.

Sr. Kochumary Chellakudam
Vice-postulator
Cause of Canonization of Venerable Mary Glowrey