Sister with New Zealand link joins ranks of the Venerable

The Pope formally recognised the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Dr Sr Mary Glowrey JMJ, who practised medicine in the state of Victoria and who was a missionary doctor in India.

This step in her cause for canonisation makes her only the second Australian, after St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, to be accorded this honour. As of November 21, she now bears the title: Venerable Mary of the Sacred Heart Glowrey.

Born in Birregurra, Victoria, in 1887, Mary Glowrey studied medicine at the University of Melbourne, graduating as a doctor in 1910. Her residential year was undertaken at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand.

She returned to live in Melbourne in 1912 and was a pioneer among women in medicine before discerning a call to serve in India. For 37 years she offered medical care, compassion and dignity to the most vulnerable – particularly women and children. She founded what is now India’s largest non-government health network, the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), which continues to serve millions today.

Venerable Mary’s cause was initiated in India, supported by her religious congregation, the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ), and kept alive in Australia by her family and by the Catholic Women’s League of Victoria and Wagga Wagga.

Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli said the recognition of Venerable Mary is “a moment of grace” for India and Australia, and for the Church.

“Her life teaches us that holiness can be found in generous service, professional excellence, courageous faith and deep tenderness toward those most in need,” Archbishop Comensoli said.

The next step toward her beatification will require the Church’s approval of a recognised miracle attributed to her intercession.

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It is with profound joy that I… (Archbishop Peter Comensoli/Facebook)

Venerable Mary of the Sacred Heart Glowrey (CWL Victoria)