18 FEB - SAINT OF THE DAY [S KURIAKOSE ELIAS CHAVARA (1805-1871)]

 Kuriakose was born of pious and devout Catholic parents of Syro-Malabar Church, at Kainakary, Kerala, India. 

    After his early schooling in the native village and priestly studies under Fr. Thomas Palackal at Pallippuram, he was ordained priest at the age of 24. 

    In 1831, co-operating with Fr. Thomas Palackal and Fr. Thomas Porukara, he founded the first indigenous religious congregation for men, 

    now known as the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI). It was after the death of his senior companions in the foundation that Fr. Kuriakose made the religious profession 

    in 1855. Starting seven religious houses, including the first one at Mannanam, in different parts of Kerala, the new Congregation made great strides in the spiritual 

    renovation of the Syro-Malabar Church. Seminaries for the education and formation of the clergy, introduction of annual retreats for priests and people, 

    a publishing house for the propagation of Catholic doctrine, a house for the dying and destitute, special attention to catechumens and schools for general education, 

    were a few among the various activities of the Congregation. He also introduced valuable improvements and reform in the Syro-Malabar liturgy. 

    In 1866, with the co-operation of Fr. Leopold Boccaro OCD, he started the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) for women. 

    When a schism threatened the Church in 1861, Fr. Kuriakose, the then Vicar General of the Syro-Malabar Church, 

    took a strong stand and gave effective leadership in saving the Church in Kerala from schism. His counsel to the Christian families given in the form of the 

    'Testament of a Loving Father' is applicable and relevant to this day. Essentially a man of prayer and intense charity, 

    he lived in close communion with the Lord amidst his several religious and social activities. Owing to his deep spirituality that permeated all his actions, 

    he was accepted and referred to as a man of God, from his early years. In 1871, on January 3rd, Fr. Kuriakose, after a short but painful illness, 

    passed away and was buried at St. Philominas Church first later his mortal remains were transferred to Mannanam. On 8 February 1986, 

    during his historic visit to Kottayam, Kerala, Pope John Paul II raised Venerable Kuriakose Elias Chavara to the honours of the altar declaring him 'Blessed'. 

    Pope Francis canonized at the Vatican on 23 November, 2014.





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