Biography
Full Name: Hana Catherine Mullens
Birth: 1 July 1826
Death (Home Calling): 21 December 1861
Birthplace: Calcutta, India
Mission Field: India
Known For: Pioneer of Zenana Missions
🌿 Early Life
Hana Catherine Mullens was born into a family of missionaries in Calcutta, India. From an early age, she was deeply influenced by her parents’ ministry. She was an intelligent and gifted child who began helping her mother conduct classes even before turning 12.
At the age of 15, Hana accepted Christ as her Savior. She passionately shared the Gospel with anyone who visited her home, and her personal conversations with unbelievers often brought them to faith even more effectively than formal sermons.
At 19, she married Rev. Dr. Mullens, and together they joyfully served the Lord in Bengal.
✝️ Missionary Work in India
Hana was fluent in Bangla and devoted herself to writing and translating Christian literature for local women. One of her books was so impactful that it was published in twelve Indian dialects.
She noticed that many Indian women of that time were ignorant, idle, and unhappy, largely due to social restrictions. Hana always wanted to serve them spiritually and practically.
Her opportunity came unexpectedly while working on embroidery and needlework. A local influential man saw her work on a pair of slippers and said,
“I wish my wife could learn such skills.”
Hana immediately saw a way to reach these women. She offered to teach his wife embroidery and domestic skills. Through these lessons, she gained access to many Indian women, sharing both practical skills and the Gospel of Christ. This approach became the foundation of Zenana ministry, bringing spiritual light to women who could not appear in public.
🌸 Legacy
Although Hana Catherine Mullens passed away at the young age of 35, her innovative methods opened doors for other women missionaries. Her work helped bring thousands of Indian women to Christ.
Her life shows how simple gifts, skills, and faithful service can become a powerful tool for God’s work, even in restricted environments.
❤️ Summary
- Name: Hana Catherine Mullens
- Born: 1 July 1826, Calcutta, India
- Died: 21 December 1861, India
- Mission Focus: Indian women (Zenana ministry)
- Special Contribution: Introduced women missionaries to inaccessible Indian women using domestic skills as a bridge to share the Gospel