Saint Chavara in the Role of Superior

Abstract

This article presents Saint Chavara in the role of an exemplary superior. Chavara was almost all his life in the role of a superior. After the death of the Malpāns he became the undisputed leader of the monastery project and he spontaneously took charge as their superior and led the community to their profession of religious vows in 1855. As a humble and selfless man filled with the Holy Spirit, his credibility was his credential; hence, he was respected even by his opponents foreign and native alike. His prudence, practical wisdom, love of the Church, independent thinking, broadminded and farsighted nature, and accountability were outstanding. Since he had his clear positions but imposed them on no one, he is considered to be a role model. However, in his own eyes, Chavara was full of failures. He practised the advice of the Lord: “When you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are just unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” (Lk 17:10).