A Spiritual Saint's Strength Amidst Strife

A SPIRITUAL SAINT'S STRENGTH AMIDST STRIFE Fortitude for half a century, giving God all the glory, The Foundress of Holy Family lived a humble, godly life, St. Mariam Thresia - a stigmatic saint's story Filled with many troubles, temptations and strife, From Puthenchira, an Indian Syro-Malabar Catholic Consecrated herself to the Lord at eight or nine years, Modest and meek, serving the poor and the sick, She was disciplined, obedient and different from her peers, With childlike simplicity, charismatic charity and Christian chastity, Fastidiously following Father Vithayathil's fine footsteps, The "virgin of pains" was for Family Apostolate, the model entity, Nursing the sick and dying by visiting them at their doorsteps, Burning with intense love for God, she was a mystic soul, "Whose Heart was aglow with fire and whose feet were winged", Enduring her sufferings for the sake of Christ was her goal, Her patient, divine spirit was with radiant sweetness tinged, She had fervent trust in God's immense providence, Her spiritual ecstasy was hours of prayer and meditation, The "Apostle of suffering", she strived for her continence, Wiping the tears of the broken hearted was her consolation, Her gracious gift of goodness guides us all in giving Care, concern and compassion to the comfortless at all cost, Her lasting legacy left behind still leads the living To show His love, shine His Light and shelter the lost. Form: Rhyme (abab) 10.23.19 {This poem is about St. Mariam Thresia, who was canonised on 16th October, 2019 by Pope Francis in Rome. She is the Foundress of the Congregation of Holy Family, Puthenchira, Kerala.}