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ST. CHAVARA WARD

About the patron

Kuriakose Elias was born as the third son of Kuriakose and Mariam of Chavara family, on 10th February 1805 at Kainakary, Kerala. He joined seminary in 1816 and was ordained as priest in 1829. In 1831 he co-founded the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), the first indigenous congregation and in 1866 he co-founded the Congregation of Mother Carmel (CMC).

Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara dared to think beyond his times and emphasized the need for education for all irrespective of social and economic status. He introduced the pallikkoodam concept, which played an integral role in making Kerala the most literate state in India.

He gave importance to the publication and reading of books, organising the liturgical texts, initiating spiritual exercises and retreats, and above all to lead people to God. He bid adieu to his illustrious earthly life on January 3, 1871 at Koonammavu. His mortal remains were later entombed at Manganam. He was beatified by Saint Pope John Paul II on 8 February 1986 and was canonized on 23rd November 2014 by Pope Francis. The feast of Saint Chavara is celebrated on 3rd January

Prayer

Loving Jesus, we praise and thank you for the gift of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara to your Church as a model of holy life. Give us the grace to be inspired by his ardent life of faith in order to experience you through prayer and to work for the growth of the Church untiringly, and thus to be committed to you wholeheartedly.

Loving Father, enable us to glorify you by striving for the sanctification of our lives and working for the salvation of all after the inspiring example of St. Chavara who was the patron of families and model of religious and priestly life. Help us to accept with joy the share of your cross through the sufferings of our daily life. May the special intention … for which we now pray be granted to us through the intercession of St. Chavara, our Lord and our God, for ever and ever. Amen

Ward LEADERS

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