Saint Eufrasia of The Sacred Heart of Jesus Eluvathingal

Biography

Saint Eufrasia of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Eluvathingal, also known as Euphrasia of the Sacred Heart and Rosa Eluvathingal, was a nun in the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel. She was born on October 7, 1877, in Edathuruthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India, with the name Rosa Eluvathingal. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to a spiritual path of holiness and self-sacrifice, ultimately becoming a revered figure within the Catholic Church. At a young age, Rosa Eluvathingal showed a strong inclination towards a pious and devout life. After completing her primary education, she joined the Congregation of Sisters of the Mother of Carmel, where she took the name Eufrasia of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was within this religious order that she embarked on her journey towards deep spiritual growth and the service of God. Saint Eufrasia spent her entire religious life in various convents of the congregation. She embraced a life of self-denial, devoted to prayer, penance, and acts of charity. Eufrasia was known for her deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which guided her every action and motivated her to help those in need. She was a true example of humility, simplicity, and love. During her time as a religious sister, Eufrasia faced numerous challenges and hardships, both within the congregation and in her personal life. But it was through her unwavering faith and trust in God that she overcame these obstacles and emerged as a spiritual beacon for others. Her love for the Sacred Heart served as a source of strength, inspiration, and consolation. Eufrasia passed away on August 29, 1952, in Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala, India, at the age of 74, due to natural causes. Her legacy, however, continued to inspire countless individuals within the Catholic Church and beyond. Her life of devotion, selflessness, and deep faith prompted many faithful followers to venerate her as a saint. Recognizing her extraordinary virtues and the impact of her life, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Eufrasia as Venerable on July 5, 2002. This decision acknowledged her outstanding holiness and heroic virtues. Further recognition came on December 3, 2006, when Pope Benedict XVI beatified her in a ceremony held at Ollur, in the Archdiocese of Trichur, India. Finally, on November 23, 2014, Pope Francis canonized Eufrasia of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, officially declaring her a saint of the Catholic Church. The canonization miracle attributed to her involved the miraculous healing of a seven-year-old boy named Jewel, who had been suffering from a thyroglossal cyst. This extraordinary event provided further evidence of Eufrasia's intercession and her ongoing presence in the lives of those who seek her intercession. Though there is no official designation for her as a patron saint, Saint Eufrasia of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Eluvathingal serves as a model of faith, piety, and devotion to the Sacred Heart. Her life story continues to inspire countless individuals, reminding them of the transformative power of God's love and grace.