- Awards and Recognition
- She received the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Paul VI in 1971 for her contribution to literature and the Church.
Legacy
- A Sr. Mary Beninja Foundation Trust was established to promote her literary works and introduce them to younger generations.
- Awards such as the Sr. Mary Beninja Award for Malayalam literature are given in her memory.
Sr. Mary Beneenja (Mary Benigna) was a well-known Catholic nun, Malayalam poet, and writer from Kerala. Her birth name was Mary John Thottam.
Basic Details
- Full Name: Sr. Mary Benigna CMC (Mary John Thottam)
- Born: 24 June 1901
- Birthplace: Elanji, near Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, Kerala, India
- Parents: John Thottam and Mariam
- Died: 20 May 1985
- Congregation: Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC)
- Profession: Nun, poet, teacher, Malayalam writer
Religious Life
- She joined the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) and became a nun devoted to prayer, education, and literature.
- Before becoming a nun, she worked as a school teacher.
Literary Contributions
Sr. Mary Benigna was one of the important Christian poets in Malayalam literature. She wrote devotional poetry, epic poems, and lyrical compositions.
Major Works
- Lokame Yathra
- Marthoma Vijayam (epic poem)
- Gandhi Jayanthi (epic poem)
- Kavanamela
- Madhumanjari
- Amruthadhara
- Karayunna Kavithakal
- Vanampadi (autobiography)
Her writings include two epic poems, several short compositions, and more than 250 devotional songs, leaving a strong influence on Malayalam Christian literature.
