Ernakulam — In a momentous occasion for Kerala’s Catholic community, Eliswa of the Blessed Virgin Mary — revered as Mother Eliswa Vakayil — was officially declared Blessed on Saturday during a solemn beatification ceremony at the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom in Vallarpadam.
The event, attended by thousands of devotees, clergy members, and representatives from various religious orders — including a papal delegate — marked a major milestone on the path to sainthood for the nun who laid the foundation for women’s religious life in Kerala over 150 years ago.
Born on October 15, 1831, in Ochanthuruth, Ernakulam, Mother Eliswa founded the first indigenous Carmelite convent for women in 1866. Her efforts eventually led to the establishment of two prominent congregations — the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) under the Syro-Malabar rite and the Congregation of the Teresian Carmelites (CTC) under the Latin rite.
Widowed at just 20, she devoted her life to prayer, compassion, and service. With guidance from Italian missionary Leopold Beccaro, Mother Eliswa, along with her daughter Anna and sister Thresia, began their religious journey in a modest bamboo-mat hut at Koonammavu.
Her pioneering vision transformed women’s religious life in India, opening avenues for education, social service, and spiritual empowerment within the Church. Notably, her inclusive outlook helped bridge the Latin and Syrian rites — a rare achievement in her time.
Mother Eliswa passed away on July 18, 1913, and was buried at St. Joseph’s Convent in Varapuzha, which has since become a revered pilgrimage site.
The process of her canonisation began in 2008. In 2023, Pope Francis declared her Venerable after recognising her heroic virtues, and subsequently approved a miracle attributed to her intercession, leading to Saturday’s beatification.
Mother Eliswa’s enduring message of faith and humility continues to inspire generations. Her personal motto, “God alone suffices,” remains the guiding light of her spiritual legacy.
With inputs from IANS