Prayers for murdered nun’s canonization in Madhya Pradesh, India

(February 27, 2010) Catholics gathered for the 15th death anniversary of a nun murdered in Madhya Pradesh and prayed for her speedy canonization. Some 700 people including Religious and laity gathered Thursday February 25 at the tomb of the Franciscan Clarist Sister Rani Maria Vattalil. The tomb is located at Indore diocese’s Udainagar village, where the nun worked. The nun, now widely known as Sister Rani, was killed aboard a bus on February 25, 1995 by a contract killer, who stabbed her at least 50 times. The work of the 41-year-old nun among poor landless people had upset some landlords. Former Archbishop Pascal Topno of Bhopal, based in the state capital, led the anniversary liturgy with priests, nuns and laypeople from different parts of the state. “She shed her blood to save the people in this village. She dedicated her life for the faith and became a role model. She died for us, and is now interceding for us in heaven,” he said. In 2007 the nun was officially called a “Servant of God” as the Church completed its diocesan tribunal inquiry, the initial step into the cause of her canonization. The archbishop led others in saying special prayers for the speedy canonization of the murdered nun.Sister Sinclare, superior general of the congregation described the late nun as “a great missionary and martyr.” She said, “the blood of martyr” will help Christianity grow in the area. She said that Sister Rani was “enthusiastic about the evangelization” and was strong in her convictions and faith in Christ.