I, Sister Mary Marjorie of Jesus Crucified, C.C.R. (Mary M.), am the daughter of the late Mr. Gabriel and Mrs. Mariamma. I am the eighth of twelve children in a devout Catholic family. Sadly, I never met two of my siblings, who passed away in infancy. Nine of us grew up in a disciplined and loving home, sharing joys and struggles. By God’s grace, four brothers and two sisters remain alive, though one sister is half-bedridden.
My vocation journey began in May 1963 when Rev. Fr. Manual Ambudayan, visiting from Our Lady of Assumption Church, Vlathankara, delivered a homily on the beauty and importance of religious vocation. His words stirred something profound in me, then a ninth-grade student. Encouraged but apprehensive, I expressed my desire to attend a vocation camp to my parents. My father, though initially silent, granted permission, but my mother, overwhelmed by emotion, fell ill. Witnessing my mother’s distress, I momentarily hesitated, but my conviction never wavered.
Determined to detach myself from worldly possessions, I gradually gave up my gold ornaments, a significant act in a culture where dowry played an important role in a woman’s future. My father, puzzled by this, questioned my decision, and I humbly explained that I no longer desired material wealth. Though my parents struggled to accept my calling, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of religious life.
During my pre-degree studies at All Saints’ College, Trivandrum, owned by the C.C.R. Congregation, I deepened my spiritual life. Unlike my peers, I regularly attended Mass, prayed the Rosary, and visited the Blessed Sacrament. This devotion earned me the affectionate nickname “Holy Mary” among the Sisters. Even the Superior General took note of my dedication.
As the year ended, I sought my father’s consent once more. With the help of my hostel warden, Sr. Mary Agnes CCR, I made my case. Though hesitant, my father listened but did not immediately decide. My mother, too, remained reluctant. However, one day, while overhearing a conversation between my mother and elder brother, I was overjoyed to hear my mother finally say, “If she wants to go, let her go.” This moment of surrender was an answer to my fervent prayers.
My father, still uncertain, consulted a trusted friend who encouraged him to allow me to follow my calling. Strengthened by this support, I approached my parish priest, Fr. Manual Ambudayan, who affirmed my decision, reminding me of the great saints of the Carmelite Order and the guidance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. His encouragement deepened my resolve.
On May 31, 1966, on the Feast of the Visitation, I left my beloved home to enter the convent. My father accompanied me, treating it like a simple journey to the college hostel. Unknown to my family, this farewell was final—I was prepared to surrender myself completely to God’s will.” Though I felt the weight of leaving behind my home, family, and familiar surroundings, my love for Christ gave me the strength to move forward. With faith, I embraced my vocation, trusting in the Lord’s promise: “And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).
