Description

Oil Dedicated to St Kuriakose Elias Chavara

St Kuriakose Elias Chavara, C.M.I. (10 February 1805 – 3 January 1871) was an Indian Syro-Malabar Catholic priest, philosopher and social reformer. He is the first canonised Catholic male saint of Indian origin and a member of the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic church.

He was the co-founder and first Prior General of the first congregation for men in the Syro-Malabar Church. Known as the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.), and of a similar one for women. The Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (C.M.C.). He is a pioneer in many fields.

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. The first member  made the religious profession in 1855.

In religion he took the name, Kuriakose Elias of the Holy Family. 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.

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 Elias Chavara, the then Vicar General of the Syro-Malabar Church. Took strong stand and gave effective leadership in thwarting Thomas Roccos’ intrusion and saving the Church in Kerala from schism.