Martyred Indian Sister Rani Maria, who was slain by an assassin 22 years ago in central India, was proclaimed a Blessed at a beatification ceremony during Holy Mass in Indore, in central India’s Madhya Pradesh state on Saturday, November 4.

Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, presided over the Beatification Mass. During his homily he described Sister Rani Maria as one who lived and died preaching the gospel of charity and defending the poor.

Pope Francis recognized Sister Regina Maria Vattalil of the Congregation of the Franciscan Claretian Sisters, after the Angelus on November 5, 2017, in St. Peter’s Square. She was proclaimed Blessed on November 4, 2017, at Indore, India.

“Yesterday, at Indore, India, Regina Maria Vattalil was proclaimed Blessed, Religious of the Congregation of the Franciscan Claretian Sisters, killed for her Christian faith in 1995,” the Holy Father said. “Sister Vattalil gave witness of Christ in love and in meekness, and she joins the long ranks of martyrs of our time. May her sacrifice be seed of faith and peace, especially in Indian soil. She was so good. She was called the smiling Sister.”