The Catholic Church has moved a decisive step closer to the canonization of Dr. Mary Glowrey, known in religious life as Mary of the Sacred Heart, with Pope Leo XIV approving a decree affirming her heroic virtues. During an audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the Holy Father authorized the formal promulgation of the decree, conferring upon her the title Venerable. Born on 23 June 1887 in Birregurra, Australia, and serving in India until her passing in Bangalore on 5 May 1957, Venerable Mary Glowrey stands as an enduring pillar in the history of Catholic medical mission.
The announcement, published on the Dicastery’s website, has been met with deep joy and gratitude by the Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ), who cherish this milestone as a moment of grace for a woman whose life and work profoundly shaped the landscape of Catholic healthcare in India.
Mary Glowrey’s missionary journey began on 21 January 1920, when she set aside a flourishing medical profession in Australia to answer God’s call. Travelling to India, she joined the JMJ congregation in Guntur as its first postulant in the country. She made her temporary profession on 28 November 1921 and her perpetual vows on 29 November 1924.
At a time when women religious were not permitted to practice medicine, the Church recognized her extraordinary vocation. Pope Benedict XV granted her explicit permission to continue medical practice after her temporary profession, while Pope Pius XI later extended special blessings upon her mission of healing. Her legacy would eventually lead to the establishment of the Catholic Hospitals Association in 1943 today known as the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) an organization she envisioned as the backbone of Catholic healthcare and the foundation for a future Catholic medical college rooted in the sanctity of life and service.
Her canonization cause has progressed 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. In 2017, Dr. Cherian Thunduparampil, CMI, was appointed as Postulator for the Roman phase, and in 2018, the diocesan inquiry received its decree of validity. Later that year, Msgr Paul Pallath was named Relator. The position a detailed study of her life and virtues was submitted in May 2021, receiving approval from historical consultors in April 2022 and theological consultors in December 2023.
The concluding step came after the session of Cardinals and Bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on 18 November 2025. Pope Leo XIV officially conferred upon her the title Venerable on 21 November 2025.
Today, Dr. Mary Glowrey is remembered as a luminous figure for the modern world a compassionate physician, visionary institution-builder, and woman of deep holiness whose life was shaped entirely by the love of Christ. Numerous accounts of favours and healing attributed to her intercession continue to affirm her spiritual legacy across India.