Australian Medical Missionary Sr. Mary Glowrey Declared Venerable

November 25, 2025:

The Catholic Church has taken a significant step towards the canonisation of Dr. Mary Glowrey, known in religion as Mary of the Sacred Heart, following the Pope’s approval of a decree recognising her heroic virtues. During an Audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the Holy Father authorised the promulgation of the decree that officially declares her Venerable. Born on 23 June 1887 in Birregurra, Australia, and later serving in India until her death in Bangalore on 5 May 1957, Venerable Mary Glowrey remains an iconic figure in Catholic medical mission history.

The Dicastery’s announcement, published on its website, has been welcomed with profound gratitude by the Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ), who celebrate this milestone in the journey toward sainthood for a woman whose life was deeply intertwined with India’s healthcare mission.

Mary Glowrey’s missionary path began on 21 January 1920, when she relinquished a flourishing medical career to embrace God’s call. Sailing to India, she joined the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph in Guntur as its first postulant in the country. She made her temporary profession on 28 November 1921 and her perpetual profession on 29 November 1924.

At the time, religious sisters were not permitted to practise medicine. However, recognising her unique vocation, Pope Benedict XV granted Dr. Glowrey special permission to continue practising after her temporary profession. Pope Pius XI later extended a special blessing on her medical mission. Her enduring legacy includes founding the Catholic Hospitals Association in 1943, now known as the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI). She envisaged a Catholic Medical College that would form professionals grounded in the sacredness of human life and committed to serving life with integrity.

Her cause for canonisation has advanced steadily over the years. She was declared a Servant of God on 27 March 2013 by Bishop Gali Bali of Guntur at Infant Jesus Cathedral, Phirangipuram. Dr. Cherian Thunduparampil, CMI, was appointed Postulator for the Roman phase in 2017, and the diocesan inquiry received its decree of validity in 2018. Msgr Paul Pallath was named Relator later that year. The positio—a comprehensive document on her life and virtues—was submitted in May 2021 and subsequently approved by historical consultors in April 2022 and by theological consultors in December 2023.

The final approval came after the meeting of Cardinals and Bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on 18 November 2025. Pope Leo XIV officially declared her Venerable on 21 November 2025.

Dr. Mary Glowrey continues to be regarded as a beacon for contemporary times—an exceptional doctor, visionary leader, and woman of profound holiness shaped by the love of Christ. Numerous testimonies of healing through her intercession reflect the enduring mark of her sanctity in India.

Australian Medical Missionary Sr. Mary Glowrey Declared Venerable

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