In 1995, in northern India, a religious sister named Rani Maria was killed for her work with the poor. The Vatican movie theater premiered the film, The Face of the Faceless, which recounts the life and work of this sister.
SHAISON OUSEPH
Director
It's a story of working for others, sacrificng one's own life for others just like what Jesus did in his life. And, above all, there is a content of forgiveness, which means it's one of the pillars of Christianity.
Sr. Rani began her work in the mission areas of the Aamala Province Bhopal for the Franciscan Clarist Congregation in 1975. She worked to educate children and care for and empower women in northern Indian villages.
SR. SARITHA THERESE
Franciscan Clarist Congregation
She was convinced that Christ is present in the poor. So that was the conviction that led her, I firmly believe. And she had a passionate love for the poor.
And for this work, she was eventually killed on February 25, 1995 on her way back to the provincial house.
SR. SARITHA THERESE
Franciscan Clarist Congregation
And the very reason they tell that she was working for the upliftment of the poor, regardless of her life. She was not bothered of what will be the after-effect. She just wanted to see the face of Christ in the poor and she had to work for the[ir] upliftment. And this made the landlords of the place arrogant. And that was the reason behind her assassination.
As a martyr, there was no need for a first miracle for her to be beatified. So in 2017, just 22 years after her death, Sr. Rani Maria was declared a blessed. Now, Sr. Saritha Therese and the entire Franciscan Clarist Congregation await the final miracle needed to raise their sister to the altar of saints.
KG
