"Yet, Elizabeth risked violence herself to enter Manchester's darkest and most dangerous streets in order to reach those in greatest need. If Marx and Engels merely observed the condition of the poor, Elizabeth desired to live and die among them."
Prout helped establish numerous schools and hostels across poverty-stricken parts of northwest England. She also taught women to be self-sufficient, teaching them skills to support themselves and permitting the other religious sisters to earn their own wages.
Leo XIII approved Prout's religious community in 1863. Prout, also known as Mother Mary Joseph, was named the order's first superior general. Today, the Passionist Sisters work with the poor all over the world, including countries such as Papua New Guinea, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Jamaica.
"Elizabeth's legacy would be a worldwide community of women - the Sisters of the Cross and Passion - committed to the same wide horizons of mission. Mother Mary Joseph would rejoice to see this birthday gathering of her Sisters in her hometown, whether physically present or via the internet," he said.
"Yet, the child born beside the River Severn two centuries ago could never have imagined that her life would one day be considered as exemplifying for all generations, the fulness of the Christian life and the perfection of charity. A life which would continue to speak in new and prophetic ways to this 21st century."
Mother Elizabeth died from tuberculosis at the age of 43 in Lancashire in 1864. Her sainthood cause was submitted to the Vatican in 2008.
Bishop Davies said Prout's saintly life is an inspiration to the people of the 21st century and particularly relative to what Pope Francis describes as a "throw-away culture." He said that wherever human life is depreciated, Mother Elizabeth connects true social progress and human dignity to divine love.
"She saw clearly that it was only by discovering that we are loved by God that the innate and eternal worth of every human life is recognised and held secure," he said.
"In societies where there is an urgent call for new evangelisation, she exemplifies that it is only by the discovery of interior life - of intimate, friendship with Christ - that we will be able to go beyond the limits imposed by our fears and so respond to our Christian calling."