Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara A Pillar that Supported the Church

Abstract

One of the strongest revolutions which brought about substantial change and held high the flag of mother Church, has been by St. Chavara. Mirroring the face of Christ, leading an exemplary life of complete obedience and profound love of God, Chavara became the fifth Gospel of his time. This study makes a humble attempt to look at him through the lens of progression, through the vistas of constructive growth, love and expansion.  Chavara skillfully navigated the phases of the Church, understanding them and bringing about an uplift in any cause he set his hands to. As testified by Fr. Leopold Beccaro, his first biographer: He had an ardent desire to spread the light of the Holy Church in all directions; he was grieved to the point of shedding tears when he heard of the trials and persecutions of the Church and eagerly longed to see days of triumph. From fighting for justice, to bringing about essential facts to light, to the humble task of turning convents and monasteries into holy abodes of Christ, it was Chavara who took strength and received the grace to turn factual instances into the most worthy portals of Divine love.