Biography

– The Angel of Kashmir

Irene Eleanor Verita Petrie was a young missionary from England who gave her life to serve the people of Kashmir and Punjab in India. She was born in October 1864 in Kensington Park, United Kingdom. Her mother dedicated her to God’s service when she was only two months old, believing that the child would one day live for Christ’s glory.

From childhood, Irene was intelligent, cheerful, and full of talent. She was especially gifted in music and singing. Though she belonged to a wealthy family and could have lived a comfortable life, her heart longed to serve others. She always dreamed of becoming a missionary and helping those in need.

In answer to that calling, she joined the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and was appointed to serve in India. She arrived in Lahore in 1893. The poverty and suffering she witnessed there deeply moved her heart. She saw many women dying due to a lack of female doctors and nurses, and she wanted to share hope and healing with them — both for their bodies and souls.

Irene’s Ministry in India

After serving for a short time in a charitable home in Lahore, Irene moved to Srinagar, Kashmir, in 1894. She was a trained nurse, and she, along with a few helpers, went door to door offering medical care, prayers, and love. She sang Christian hymns, told Bible stories, and brought joy to many suffering women. Many of them came to know the love of Jesus Christ through her gentle care.

She also helped in a boys’ school in Srinagar. When the school ran out of money, Irene painted beautiful pictures and sold them to support the children’s education. Despite the freezing cold, rough mountains, and poor health conditions, she never complained. Her heart burned with love for the Kashmiri and Afghan people.

During one of her journeys to Leh, Irene fell seriously ill with typhoid fever. Even in her sickness, she remained peaceful and faithful to God. On August 6, 1887, at just 23 years of age, she went to be with her Heavenly Father.

Though her time in India was short, her faith, compassion, and sacrifice left a lasting mark on the hearts of many. Irene Petrie is remembered as a shining example of selfless love and true Christian service.

Summary:

• Birth: October 1864
• Home Calling: 6 August 1887
• Native Place: Kensington Park, United Kingdom
• Mission Field: Punjab and Kashmir, India
• Known for: Her loving service to women and children in Kashmir

– Apostle of Chota Nagpur

Constant Lievens was a Belgian missionary, lovingly called “The Apostle of Chota Nagpur.” He was born on April 11, 1856, in Moorslede, Belgium, into a farmer’s family. The skills and discipline he learned while working in the fields later helped him greatly in his ministry among the tribal people of Central India, especially the Mundas, Oraons, and Kharias.

Lievens felt a deep call from God to serve in foreign lands. To follow this vision, he joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and began his spiritual and priestly training in Bruges. Later, in 1880, he was sent to Asansol, West Bengal, to continue his theological studies and prepare for mission work.

In 1885, Father Lievens arrived in the Chota Nagpur Plateau. He worked hard to learn the local languages and understand the life of the tribal communities. After staying for a while in Torpa, near Ranchi, he noticed that the local people were suffering terribly under the control of Jagirdars, Zamindars, and Thikedars, who exploited them through unfair taxes and land grabbing.

Realizing that the best way to show Christ’s love was through action, Lievens decided to help them fight for justice. He studied both tribal customs and British laws and began defending the tribals in court. Through his efforts, many people won back their land and dignity. This opened their hearts to the Gospel, and thousands began accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

With his strong motto, “Fire must burn,” Father Lievens tirelessly traveled across the hills of Jharkhand, preaching, teaching, and helping people. His mission grew quickly, and within two years, more than 15,000 people had come to faith in Christ. He also promoted education, justice, and spiritual growth among the tribal communities.

Unfortunately, his hard work affected his health. In 1891, he became sick with tuberculosis. After some rest in Darjeeling, he returned to Barwa and baptized another 12,000 people. But his illness worsened. Hoping to recover and return to India, he went back to Belgium in 1893, saying, “I still have much to do.”

However, God had other plans. Father Constant Lievens peacefully went to be with the Lord on November 7, 1893.

His life continues to inspire many as a true servant of Christ who lived for justice, love, and faith among the poor and oppressed of India.

Summary:

• Birth: 11 April 1856
• Home Calling: 7 November 1893
• Native Place: Moorslede, Belgium
• Mission Field: Central India (Chota Nagpur)
• Known as: Apostle of Chota Nagpur