We invite you to discover Venerable Augustine John Ukken through his words, which beckon us to place love at the very heart of our lives.

Augustine John Ukken (1880–1956), Syro-Malabar Indian priest and founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity, was a radiant witness of God’s mercy. Born in Parappur, Kerala, he was orphaned at the age of six, an experience he transformed into total trust in God as Father and Mary as Mother. After formation at the Papal Seminary in Kandy, he was ordained in 1907 and devoted his life to the poor, especially in Chowannur, where he became a father to orphans, a comforter of the sick, and a friend of exploited farmers. His spirituality centered on the Eucharist, the Sacred Heart, and humble self-giving. His constant motto was: “To love is your duty; let no one surpass you in loving.” In 1944 he founded the Sisters of Charity to continue his charism of merciful service. Both mystical and active, he was contemplative before the tabernacle and tireless in action, accepting trials as a way of sharing in Christ’s passion. He died in Chowannur in 1956, leaving behind a legacy of limitless love and unwavering trust in divine providence.

Text of Augustine John Ukken:

[Blessed Mary] must be knowing all our troubles and difficulties, if she knows them, will she be indifferent to our troubles? Then can He deny anything to her? She loves us more than all the mothers together; she wishes our salvation much more earnestly than we ourselves wish it.

—Augustine John Ukken, Lights from Heaven, November 15, 1902.

Commentary:

Augustine John Ukken always carried within himself the memory of being orphaned at the age of six. From that painful reality grew his extraordinary devotion to Mary. The text before us reflects a conviction that shaped his entire life and spirituality: if Mary knows our troubles, she cannot remain indifferent.

For Augustine, Mary was not a distant figure but a living mother whose heart was tenderly attentive to human struggles. He draws out the logic of maternal love: “She loves us more than all the mothers together.” For someone who had lost his own mother at so young an age, this affirmation is deeply personal. He discovered in Mary the maternal presence that filled the void of his orphanhood, giving him a sense of being accompanied, known, and loved.

This insight speaks to us today as members of the Vincentian Family. Our charism calls us to serve those who feel abandoned and alone, those who hunger for someone to know and care for them. Augustine’s conviction that Mary knows every trouble echoes the Gospel scene at Cana (John 2:1–11). When she saw the embarrassment of the wedding feast running out of wine, she did not remain indifferent … she interceded. Her maternal gaze is practical, attentive, and merciful.

Augustine asks: “If she knows them, will she be indifferent?” His rhetorical question points to the essence of Marian faith. To believe in Mary’s motherhood is to believe that we are never unseen, never forgotten. This is particularly meaningful in a world where many experience the absence of parents, family, or support. Mary stands as the universal mother, given to us at the foot of the cross when Jesus said: “Behold, your mother” (John 19:27).

His text also highlights her powerful intercession: “Then can He deny anything to her?” Augustine places his trust in Mary’s unique relationship with her Son. This is not superstition but a Christ-centered conviction: Mary’s intercession leads us to Christ, not away from Him. In her, the love of a mother converges with the perfect obedience of a disciple.

The final sentence is particularly moving: “She wishes our salvation much more earnestly than we ourselves wish it.” Here we see Augustine’s confidence in Mary’s deep desire for our holiness. We often falter in our own spiritual journey; we are weak, distracted, inconsistent. But Mary’s love is steadfast, and she desires for us what sometimes we fail to desire for ourselves: union with God.

For the Vincentian, this maternal assurance is not only a comfort but also a call. If Mary is not indifferent to human suffering, how can we be? If she loves more than all mothers together, how should that shape our service? Her maternal gaze must become our pastoral gaze: attentive, compassionate, and effective.

Saint Vincent de Paul himself entrusted his works to Mary, recognizing her as patroness and model of charity. Augustine John Ukken lived that same spirit, finding in Mary both a mother for himself and a model for his mission.

Thus, we are invited to renew our Marian trust. Mary is not indifferent. She is present in our troubles and difficulties. She intercedes. She loves with a mother’s heart. And she never ceases to wish for our salvation, with greater longing than we ourselves.