She was declared as Servant of God by Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church on 9 April 2018.

[1] Payyappilly is an ancient Nasrani family in India believed to be baptized by Thomas the Apostle in Kottakkavu, North Paravur in the first century.

Her forefather Vareed Payyappilly migrated from Paravur to Mallusserry and settled at Thattaduparambu.

Mary Celine Payyappilly started her career as a teacher at St. Joseph School, Karukutty.

Later, she served as the headmistress of St. Augustine's High School, Muvattupuzha and B.T.S., Karukutty.