Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the Catechetist

Abstract

Catechetics is a science of instructing the faith and nurturing the discipleship of Jesus Christ. Catechetist is an expert in the science of catechetics, and shares the treasures of faith and involves in the ministry of faith formation in a systematic way. Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara’s, inspiring personality, diverse ministries, writings, and his virtues and attitudes revealed that he was an eminent catechetist. Chavara played a key role in imparting and nourishing the faith of the people to transform them. Chavara was a herald in introducing family prayer, forty-hour Adoration, annual retreat for the people of God, and several devotions and pious practices. His priority was the catechetical formation of the Christian faithful. His child like relationship with the Lord and filial love and devotion to the Church strengthened him to dedicate himself to God and His people, and to read the signs of the times and respond to them creatively and prophetically.