Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara: On the Way to Sainthood

Kuriakose Elias Chavara was a unique blend of a social and spiritual revolutionary whose contribution to the society in Kerala and the Catholic Church is immense. He was a visionary who initiated reforms in the Church as well as in the society. From being the founder of the first Indian religious congregation, Carmelites of Mary Immaculate to establishing a sanskrit school for students of all castes in a predominantly caste ridden society,...

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Kuriakose Elias Chavara of Happy Memories

The saintly Kuriakose Elias Chavara had a profound understanding of death. His reflections on death were in tune with the theology and spirituality of his times which could very well be seen in the frightening and fearful picture which he shares through his writings. But he optimistically prescribes various means to safely sail across the troubled ocean to reach the Promised Land.  He looks up to Blessed Virgin Mary ‘as the strong...

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Karmayogi: The Personality of Kuriakose Elias Chavara

The greatness of the personality of Chavara is reflected in the words of many of his contemporaries like Fr. Mathai Mariam Kappil, Mathai Mariam Palakkunnel, Bishop Louis Pazheparampil, etc. Many of the lay persons as well as historical writers could recognize the importance of the personality of Chavara and his contributions as relevant to all times and people.  The attribute ‘karma-yogi’ given by Prof. P. T. Thomas gives a...

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Kuriakose Elias Chavara: A Faithful Defender of the Church

Kuriakose Elias Chavara considered the Church as his own mother. He was aware of the fact that being truthful and faithful to the Church was essential for salvation. Union with Pope and obedience and acceptance of the authorities appointed by the Pope are important in this regard. The Kerala Church was going through a challenging phase during that time. The ripples of  Koonan Cross oath  in the middle of seventeenth century which...

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Kuriakose Elias Chavara: Founder of CMC Congregation

“There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing,” said Swami Vivekananda. Keralite women, being sidelined, were craving for a change in social attitude towards them and come to the mainstream. Rightly analyzing that women’s education was the ultimate means in this equalization process, western missionaries were in forefront in bringing...

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The Birth of CMI Congregation and Kuriakose Elias Chavara

From Hindu rishis to Buddhist Monastics, India is a land blessed with the sages from time immemorial. Even though traces of Catholic monasticism could be seen in India, they didn’t stand the test of time. It needed Fr. Thomas Porkura, Fr. Thomas Palackal, Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Bro. Jacob Kaniyanthara to begin an indigenous religious congregation which would play an important role in the growth of St. Thomas Christians in...

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Western Education and Kuriakose Elias Chavara Model Education in Kerala

The rulers in Kerala were convinced of the need for education. The western missionaries made good use of the favourable situation and established schools. The pioneers in the education field included London Missionary Society (LMS) who were active in South Travancore, Church Mission Society (CMS)  based in Central Travancore and Basel German Evangelical Mission in Malabar. But it required a humble school which Kuriakose Elias Chavara...

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Language and Literature in 18th Century and Genius of Kuriakose Elias Chavara

The missionaries did a pioneering and exemplary work in Kerala with their substantial contributions to Malayalam language.  There are many notable individuals. Benjamin Baily translated books from English to Malayalam like ‘Upanishadhwakayanam’ ‘Bharathiya Theerthadakan.’ Clodius Bukanan translated Bible into Malayalam in1811. In 1818 Benjamin Baily gave a better translation of the Bible. Dr. Gundert, a Basal Missionary considered...

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Leadership of Chavara and Growth of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) Congregation

Source: Source:http://goo.gl/t8GlY Some of the leadership qualities we can find in Bl Chavara are fairness, vision, openness, dedication, integrity, planning and so on. Fairness is dealing with others consistently and just.  Vision is having a clear idea about the end or aim. Openness helps to listen to new ideas. Dedication is spending time or energy to accomplish the task. Integrity is the integration of outward actions and inner...

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Kuriakose Elias Chavara responds to the Divine Call

Kuriakose Elias Chavara led a very pious and holy life from his early childhood. Fr. Thomas Palackal, during a visit to Chavara family noticed the intelligent and saintly young boy Kuriakose. From the first glance Fr. Palackal understood that he was a worthy candidate for priesthood.  He then  asked the permission of his father to take him for priestly training.  He was just eleven years old then.  But his parents didn’t heed...

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Enlightened Administration in Travancore During the time of Kuriakose Elias Chavara

The rulers of Travancore during the time of Kuriakose Elias Chavara were Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bhai, Rani Gouri Parvati Bhai, Swati Tirunal, Utradam Tirunal Marthadanda Varma and Ayilyam Tirunal. In order to have a complete picture of the enlightened administration in Travancore the rulers before and after his life time is also significant. Enlightened Administration in Travancore begins at 1729 with the reign of Marthanda Varma and Dharma...

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Kerala Society in 18th and 19th Centuries

An understanding of the ground reality of Kerala in 18th and 19th centuries is essential to understand the significance of Kuriakose Elias Chavara’s contributions to the Kerala society. The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed the emergence of a new social order in Kerala under the impact of the diverse social economic and cultural changes. Even towards the end of the 18th century the traditional social structure had began to show signs...

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