Kochi: A historic moment awaits the Catholic Church in Kerala today, as Mother Eliswa Vakayil, the first nun in the Kerala Church and founder of the first Discalced Carmelite Third Order for women in India, will be officially declared “Blessed” during a solemn beatification ceremony at the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam.
The grand liturgical celebration will begin at 4:30 p.m., marking a milestone 112 years after the death of Mother Eliswa, whose pioneering role in religious life and education transformed the spiritual and social fabric of Kerala’s Christian community.
According to the Verapoly Archdiocese, the beatification will be proclaimed by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, Malaysia, who represents Pope Leo XIV at the event. The ceremony will be held under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Verapoly and the Carmelite Third Order of Discalced Carmelites (TOCD).
Archbishop Dr. Joseph Kalathiparambil, Metropolitan of Verapoly, will formally submit the request for beatification, following which Cardinal Sebastian Francis will make the official declaration raising Mother Eliswa to the title of “Blessed.”
Archbishop Dr. Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India, will deliver a special message from the Holy See, while Cardinal Dr. Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, will unveil the newly commissioned holy image of Blessed Mother Eliswa.
Following the proclamation, the relics of Mother Eliswa will be ceremonially placed on the altar, marking her elevation to the honours of the Church.
The beatification follows the Vatican’s acknowledgment of a miracle attributed to Mother Eliswa’s intercession, fulfilling the canonical requirement for her recognition as “Blessed.” The process, which began decades ago, culminates today with papal authorization signed by Pope Leo XIV.
To advance to sainthood, one more miracle attributed to her intercession must be verified and approved by the Holy See.
The Eucharistic celebration will be followed by several events honouring Mother Eliswa’s legacy. Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), will release the Novena of Mother Eliswa, while KRLCBC President Archbishop Dr. Varghese Chakkalakkal will unveil a commemorative souvenir.
A coffee table book detailing Mother Eliswa’s life and mission will be launched by Archbishop Kalathiparambil, with the first copy presented to Mother Shaheela CTC, Superior General of the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites.
The day’s celebrations will conclude with a devotional procession of the newly blessed image to the Basilica and a musical presentation titled Eliswa Charitham Gana Shilpam, depicting her life and spiritual journey.
Born in 1831, Mother Eliswa Vakayil founded the Third Order of the Discalced Carmelites (TOCD) on February 13, 1866, establishing the first convent school, boarding home, and orphanage for girls in Kerala. Her pioneering efforts marked a turning point in the empowerment and education of women within the Church.
In 1890, the TOCD was divided based on liturgical rites, giving birth to two major congregations the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites (CTC) and the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) both of which trace their spiritual roots to Mother Eliswa’s vision of contemplative and service-oriented religious life.
Auxiliary Bishop Antony Valumkal of Verapoly, in a press briefing, described the occasion as a “moment of immense grace for the Kerala Church and for the global Carmelite family.” He noted that the faithful from across India and abroad have gathered at Vallarpadam to witness the historic event.
“With this beatification, the Church honours a woman who redefined religious life in Kerala and dedicated her entire being to the service of God and humanity,” Bishop Valumkal said.
As the Basilica bells ring this evening and the faithful join in prayer, Mother Eliswa Vakayil will take her place among the Blessed of the Universal Church, a radiant symbol of faith, courage, and compassion for generations to come.