Congregation of the Mother of Carmel
Our Own Carmelite Saints
Carmelite saints from Kerala stand as luminous witnesses to a living Carmelite spirituality, showing how a heroic Christian life of virtue, prayer, and self-gift can be lived in the concrete realities of daily life. Rooted deeply in contemplation and intimacy with God, they allowed prayer to overflow naturally into loving action, service to the Church, and compassion for humanity. Through fidelity in ordinary duties, silent sacrifice, and courageous faith, they embody the Carmelite ideal of contemplation in action, offering enduring role models who inspire believers to pursue holiness with depth, balance, and joyful commitment in the modern world.
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805–1871) was a holy priest and reformer from Kainakary, India. From childhood, he was devoted to the Blessed Mother and guided by Fr. Thomas Palackal. He became the canonical founder and first Superior General of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate and served as Vicar General for the Syrian Catholics.
St. Chavara dedicated his life to prayer, education, and social upliftment. He established the first Catholic printing press in Malabar, promoted parish schools, founded a home for the poor, and, with Fr. Leopold Beccaro, established the first indigenous women’s religious congregation in India. His life continues to inspire holiness, service, and devotion to the Church.
St. Euphrasia
St. Euphrasia (Rosa Eluvathingal, 1877–1952) was born in Edathuruthy, India. From a young age, she offered herself to God and pursued a life of prayer despite illness and challenges. She entered the Carmelite boarding at Koonammavu at age twelve and made her perpetual profession in 1900. Throughout her life, she served as assistant superior, novice mistress, and superior, forming future saints like Blessed Mariam Thresia. Known as “the Praying Mother,” she endured misunderstandings, trials, and illness with steadfast faith.
Her spirituality was marked by deep devotion to the Mother of God, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eucharist, humble service, and prayer for the souls in Purgatory. St. Euphrasia’s life is a model of holiness, humility, and fidelity to the Carmelite charism.
Servant of God Mother Mary Celine
Mother Mary Celine (1906–1993) was born in Muzhikulam, India, and became a CMC sister in 1928. She earned her B.A. from Maharajas College, Ernakulam, and served as a teacher before dedicating herself to leadership in the Congregation.
In 1963, under her guidance, the different wings of the CMC were united into one Congregation. She became the first Superior General of the united CMC, fostering prayer, unity, and foresight during the establishment of the Central House Generalate at Thaikattukara, Aluva. She initiated the juniorate, schools, social welfare, and vocational training programs, and established the first prayer house, Sanjoe Bhavan, in Karukutty.
After retiring in 1974, she devoted herself to deep prayer and spiritual guidance, sharing her experience of God’s love with all. Mother Mary Celine remains an inspiring model of holiness, leadership, and dedication to God.
Blessed Eliswa
Blessed Eliswa Vakayil (1831–1913), also known as Eliswa of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was born in Ochanthuruth, Kerala, India. Widowed at a young age, she dedicated her life to prayer, service, and the upliftment of women and the poor.
On February 13, 1866, she became the first member of the Third Order of Carmelites Discalced TOCD), India’s first indigenous Carmelite Congregation for women founded by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Co-founded by Rev. Fr. Leopold Beccaro OCD, which later became the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC). After the Syrians separated from the Latin jurisdiction, she founded the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites (CTC). She also established schools, orphanages, and boarding houses to support girls’ education and welfare.
Blessed Eliswa was beatified on November 8, 2025 in Vallarpadam, India. Her life continues to inspire through prayer, courage, and pioneering service to the Church.