A portrait of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
February 10, 1805 – January 3, 1871
Feast
January 3 · XIX c.
Patron of
India · The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church · Catholic education in Kerala
Order
Priest / Founder
Indian priest of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and co-founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), the first indigenous Indian religious congregation for men. He pioneered Catholic schools and printing in Kerala, founding the first Sanskrit school in the region open to all castes, and translated and published Catholic books in Malayalam. He is honored as a father of modern Kerala Catholicism.
Life & Times
Also known as: Cyriac Elias Chavara; Kuriakose Elias of the Holy Family · Born: February 10, 1805 · Died: January 3, 1871 · From: Kainakary, Kerala, India.
Patronage
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara is invoked as the patron of india, the syro-malabar catholic church, catholic education in kerala. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“The family that prays together, stays together.”— St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara (traditionally attributed)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.