Visually Impaired Woman Proclaims Scripture at Easter Vigil, Called ‘Witness of the Resurrection’

A visually impaired woman proclaimed the Scripture during the Easter Vigil liturgy in a parish in southern India, drawing praise and being described as a “witness of the Resurrection.”

During the Easter Vigil Mass held at Ramanathapuram Parish in the Diocese of Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, Christy Rani, a visually impaired member of the parish, read the third Scripture reading using the Braille system. As she walked toward the lectern, a deep silence fell over the congregation, and the faithful listened with rapt attention and devotion.

Although Christy Rani initially hesitated to read before such a large gathering, she was encouraged by her husband, Motcha Prakasam. He told her, “This is a great opportunity. It will serve as an example and create awareness for others like us, who often remain confined to their homes thinking their visual impairment is a major obstacle, to break through mental barriers and step forward.”

The couple shared, “We could have recited the passage assigned by the parish priest from memory. However, we chose to write and read it in Braille as a gesture of gratitude to God for the system that has helped us reach these heights, and to serve as a powerful awareness for others.”

Fr. Sebastian, who presided over the Vigil Mass, highlighted the moment in his homily, saying, “This is the true Resurrection; this is the witness of the Resurrection.”

Christy Rani’s husband, Motcha Prakasam, is also visually impaired. Both serve as teachers under the Tamil Nadu government’s special recruitment program. Despite not having access to the entire Bible in Braille, they actively participate in church life and transcribe selected Scripture passages into Braille whenever they are invited to read.

Parish priest Fr. Singarayer noted the couple’s strong commitment. “As a parish priest, while visiting homes, I discovered several differently-abled people in the parish. We organized them into small groups to ensure they serve as active members of the Church. The family of Motcha Prakasam and Christy Rani stands out as a very important and active family within these groups,” he said.

He added that despite living more than five kilometers from the church, the couple attends regularly and remains deeply dedicated to their faith and service.

Following the celebration, many parishioners called the parish priest to express their appreciation. They said hearing a visually impaired woman read the Bible with such clarity and devotion was a profound spiritual experience.