Mother Eliswa Vakayil beatified at Kochi's Vallarpadam Basilica

Kochi: In a historic moment for the Kerala Catholic Church, Mother Eliswa Vakayil, the first nun in the state, was officially declared “Blessed” during a solemn ceremony at the Vallarpadam Basilica on Saturday, the Verapoly Archdiocese announced.

According to a press release issued by the Archdiocese, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, Malaysia, and representative of Pope Leo XIV, made the formal proclamation during an evening service. The church bells tolled as the declaration was announced.

While declaring her Blessed, Cardinal Francis said that the holy, courageous, and steadfast life of faith and love exemplified by Mother Eliswa would continue to inspire generations of believers.

Earlier in the ceremony, Archbishop Dr Joseph Kalathiparambil, Metropolitan of the Verapoly Archdiocese, presented the formal request for her beatification. Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Dr Leopoldo Girelli also conveyed a special message from the Vatican.

Following the Holy Mass, CBCI President Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath released the Novena of Eliswa, while KCBC President Archbishop Dr Varghese Chakkalackal unveiled a commemorative coffee table book.

The celebration concluded with a solemn procession carrying the portrait of Blessed Mother Eliswa into the Basilica.

Mother Eliswa Vakayil, who founded the Third Order of Discalced Carmelites (TOCD), was born on October 15, 1831, in Ochanthuruth near Kochi, and passed away on July 18, 1913, in Varapuzha.

Her beatification follows Pope Leo XIV’s approval earlier this year, after Pope Francis had previously recognised her as Venerable for her life of holiness and service.