SAINTHOOD FOR FR CHAVARA, MOTHER EUPHRASIA ON NOV 23

Blessed Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Mother Euphrasia Eluvathingal will be conferred sainthood on November 23, Pope Francis announced in Vatican on Thursday. The announcement, which the Catholic faithfuls in Kerala have been awaiting for long, took place at St. Peters' Square in a meeting attended by the Cardinals.

On March 18, the Pope had a signed a report submitted by the Vatican Commission accepting the miracle of a nine year-old Maria Rose Jose of Pala, Kottaram, getting cured of an eye ailment by praying at the tomb of Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara. The Pope had announced on April 3 that Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara would be accorded sainthood soon.The Mannanam Monastery observed the pious occasion with great reverence. To mark the announcement of the date of canonization of Father Elias, a mass service was conducted at his tomb. More than 3,000 faithfuls including students took part in the ceremony. The mass was presided over by the Prior of St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery Church, Father Sebastian Chamathara.

                                           Prof. John Kurakar