Syrian Christians await Fr Chavara canonization

MUMBAI: A little church run by Syrian Christians in Kandivli has not seen so much excitement since inception 30 years ago. Its Malayalee parishioners are keenly awaiting Sunday’s canonization of its patron, Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, in Rome.
Pope Francis will accord the status of saint to Bl Chavara and Mother Euphrasia, who become the third and fourth saints from India after Gonsalo Garcia and Sister Alphonsa.
Nineteenth century Kerala was enriched by Bl Chavara who founded two orders, the CMI (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate) and CMC (Congregation of Mother of Carmel). Mother Euphrasia was a member of the CMC.
An elaborate biblical convention is underway this weekend at the Bl Chavara Church at Samta Nagar. At gathering of 3,500 people on Friday, Mar Thomas Elavanal, bishop of the diocese of Kalyan under which Kandivli falls, said, “Bl Chavara can be rightly called an apostle of Christian families. He was a pioneer in the field of Christian education and mooted the idea of ‘pallikoodams’ (churches with schools) which is now practised by Christian institutions all over India. He also contributed to the growth of media and publication in Kerala.”
The bishop carried in the sacred relics of Bl Chavara and Bl Euphrasia while 100 mothers of the parish dressed in uniform outfits led the procession. The altar angels followed. Holy mass and novena was celebrated before the convention began. The weekend festivities end with the canonization on Sunday.
The larger community of Catholic parishes is busy celebrating the golden jubilee of the Eucharistic Congress so this event is not earmarked on its calendar. Of course, it is happy for its Syrian Christian brothers. Archbishop of Bombay Oswald Cardinal Gracias is in Burma to celebrate 500 years of the Catholic Church.