Paper: Saint Euphrasia: A Praying Mother and Her Impact on the
Society
Abstract
Mystics are often called ‘mirrors of God’ and serve as real presence of God in
the world. They experience a permanent union with God through transformation of
the internal and external faculties. This transforming union is known as
spiritual marriage, the result of which is seen in the mystics as special
graces endowed through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God’s revelation in the human history,
relating to the nature of His being is always related to compassion. Compassionate
love has a liberative power in it. From a Christian point of view, compassionate
love embodies the salvific love of Christ, the ultimate encounter of God into
humanity.
Living
a life of deep union with God, St. Euphrasia had acquired characteristics of the
mystic’s especially, the compassionate love of God, offering a liberative
presence par excellence in the convent community and in the society. This
'praying mother', the way she was fondly addressed by the people around, was
available to others especially to the marginalized in the community and people
around. The bridal love that she cherished and nourished through her total
surrender to God enabled her to respond to the will of God throughout her life.
She was blessed with spiritual blessings such as the gift of wisdom, knowledge
of discerning the spirits, and a special gift of healing. This gave her a
unique leadership blended with knowledge, love and compassion. She kept very
personal bond with others sharing with them the fruits of her spiritual life,
prayerful support and sisterly concern to others. Analyzing the unique
personality of mother Euphrasia, we was indeed a a mystic with liberative
leadership after the model of Jesus Christ.
Sr. LisieuxTherese CMC, Directress of Jnanodaya Institute of Theology, holds a Licentiate and Doctorate in Spiritual Theology, Gregorian University, Rome. Her doctoral dissertation was titled, “Interior Silence and Divine Indwelling in the Contemplative Experience of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity” (2008). She worked as Novice Mistress, Member of Renewal Team, Aluva and provincial councillor at Kanjirappilly.
