Sister Flower Therese DM Elected as Mother Superior of Daughters of Mary, Kristuraja Province, Punjab

February 1, 2024, Punjab – The Daughters of Mary, a distinguished religious order within the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, joyfully announces the election of Sister Flower Therese DM as the Mother Superior of the Kristuraja Province in Punjab. The election took place on February 1, 2024, signaling a new era of spiritual leadership and community engagement for the province.

Sister Flower Therese DM, who has served with dedication and grace, is recognized for her unwavering commitment to the order’s mission and her compassionate leadership. Her selection as Mother Superior reflects the trust and confidence the order places in her abilities to guide the sisters and advance the order’s mission in both spiritual and social dimensions.

The Daughters of Mary, with a rich history dating back to its humble beginnings on May 8, 1938, in Marthandom, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, has been officially approved by the Holy See. With Our Lady of Harvest as the heavenly patroness, the congregation was founded by Fr. Joseph Kuzhinjalil from the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, alongside Co-foundress Rev. Mother Mary Kallarckal and the first members, Sr. Agnes and Sr. Theresa.

The congregation’s charism, calling every member to be pure, poor, and to contemplate, witness, and proclaim the Word Incarnate for the Kingdom of God, remains at the heart of their mission. With the election of Sister Flower Therese DM, the Kristuraja Province is set to further its mission among the Catholic and non-Catholic Churches and witness the holistic Christian faith, in alignment with the congregation’s foundational missionary duty.

The Kristuraja Province, one of the six provinces of the congregation, including St. Joseph’s Province, Marthandom, St. Mary’s Province – Pongumoodu, Nirmala Province – Venniyoor, Mary Matha Province – Bathery, and Amala Province – Chanda-Maharashtra, stands as a testament to the congregation’s growth and widespread service. Currently, the congregation boasts 172 houses and 30 service centres, operating in 56 dioceses in India and abroad, with 1037 professed sisters.

The Daughters of Mary are actively engaged in various ministries including pastoral ministry, house visits, education, healing, social activities, ecumenism, and services in retreat centres and communication media. Their work spans across continents including Europe, America, and Africa, showcasing their commitment to serving the global community.

Sister Flower Therese DM’s leadership comes at a time when the congregation is expanding its reach and deepening its impact across diverse communities. Her election as Mother Superior is not only a recognition of her spiritual and leadership qualities but also a call to further the congregation’s mission in the Kristuraja Province and beyond.

This significant appointment is met with enthusiasm and support from the sisters of the order and the broader Christian community. They look forward to Sister Flower Therese DM’s guidance and vision in leading the province toward fulfilling its spiritual and communal objectives.

The congregation extends its heartfelt congratulations and prayers to Sister Flower Therese DM on her election. Her leadership journey is eagerly anticipated to bring forth a renewed spirit of dedication, service, and unity within the Kristuraja Province and beyond.

As Sister Flower Therese DM assumes her new responsibilities, the Daughters of Mary in the Kristuraja Province stand ready to support her in her mission to lead with love, wisdom, and faith, continuing to make a profound impact on the lives of many.