Herald of the East https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he <p>Herald of the East is peer-reviewed biannual journal to promote multifacted sudies and research on the life, vision and mission, and contributions of Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a man of transformative vision and determined action who, living in the nineteenth century, did his best to tranform the Christian community and the society at large.</p> Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore, India en-US Herald of the East 2394-2290 Maryann Madhavathu CMC, Humble Minister of the Living Mystery: Liturgical Vision of Kuriakose Elias Chavara, (Theological Studies on Saint Chavara 11), Kochi: Chavara Central Secretariat & Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2023. https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he/article/view/4649 <p>N/A</p> Paul Kunnampally Pallathucherry Copyright (c) 2025 2025-02-12 2025-02-12 16 2 276 278 Soja Maria, Kuriakose Elias Chavara and the Educational Renaissance, (Theological Studies on Saint Chavara 12), Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2023. https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he/article/view/4650 <p>N/A</p> Joseph Varghese Kureethara Copyright (c) 2025 2025-02-12 2025-02-12 16 2 279 280 Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara: Biblical Musings https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he/article/view/4641 <p>N/A</p> Naiju Jose Kalambukattu Copyright (c) 2025 2025-02-12 2025-02-12 16 2 143 149 Rising Mountains and Proximity to the Divine: Biblical Ideal of Bes-rauma https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he/article/view/4642 <p><em>Bes-rauma</em> was the spiritual and monastic ideal that the indigenous Carmelites of India lived and propagated. <em>Bes-rauma</em>, was an experience of ‘a house on the hilltop’, was enjoyed by the members, appreciated by the people, admired by the authorities and immensely benefitted by the people far and wide. It was not just a spiritual ideal, but also a physical expression realized in the various foundations of the early Carmelite monasteries in Kerala. The first part of the present study is an investigation into the ideal in the light of the various mountains appearing in the narratives in the Bible and their sacred significance in the Ancient Near East, both the Testaments of the Bible and in various faith around the world. The second part of the study is a closer reading of the life and works of the early members of the Carmelites of Kerala, in the light of their aspirations expressed in various ways. <em>Bes-rauma</em>, for them was a harmonious blend of both the contemplative and active aspects of religious life, following the example of Elijah on Mount Carmel bringing together social action and mystical experience.</p> Benny Thettayil Copyright (c) 2025 2025-02-12 2025-02-12 16 2 150 194 Kuriakose Elias Chavara’s Vision and Mission: Biblical Foundations https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he/article/view/4643 <p>The present article the biblical foundations of Kurikose Elias Chavara’s vision and mission explores the theme of God’s Mercy in the poetic work <em>Compunction of the Soul</em> of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara. His literary works are impregnated with Biblical concepts, metaphors, similies and other direct and indirect references. The theme of God’s Mercy is studied in relation to Chavara’s vision of life, his vocation, etc. Chavara’s theological vision revolves around his basic conviction that incarnation is the ultimate manifestation of God’s Mercy. His Marialogical understanding related to God’s Mercy is also studied.</p> Joy Philip Kakkanattu Copyright (c) 2025 2025-02-12 2025-02-12 16 2 195 209 Biblical Vision of Kuriakose Elias Chavara https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he/article/view/4644 <p>Kuriakose Elias Chavara, profoundly influences our lives through his writings, especially <em>Compunction of the Soul</em> (<em>Atmanuthapam).</em> Deeply rooted in biblical narratives, the poem reflects his profound spiritual experiences and intimate relationship with God. This article explores the biblical vision of Chavara as presented in the first chapter of <em>Atmanuthapam</em>, and focuses on the key themes such as divine sovereignty, human frailty, and God’s providential care. Chavara acknowledges God as the eternal Creator, echoing Genesis 1:1 and emphasizing themes of God’s eternity (Ps 90:2), sovereignty (Is 44:6), and creative power (Heb 11:3). He identifies himself as a “son of Adam,” recognizing human fragility and dependence on God (Ps 8:4-6). He acknowledges the creation of human beings in God’s image (Gen 1:26), and affirms the sanctity of life and humanity’s spiritual capacities. Despite the human unworthiness (Rom 3:23), Chavara sees his birth as a result of God’s flawless will (Jer 29:11) and abundant mercy (Eph 2:4-5). Chavara compares himself to a “worm creeping on the earth,” and emphasizes human mortality. Yet, he finds solace in God’s providence, symbolized by a guardian angel’s sleepless care. This contrasts human limitations with divine guardianship, echoing God’s constant vigilance and grace-filled presence. Chavara’s confession of spiritual desolation reflects the human struggle with sin, paralleling David’s plea for restoration and he expresses the transformative power of God’s mercy, akin to the Prodigal Son’s reconciliation with the father (Lk 15:11–32). Chavara recounts his call to priesthood as a divine act, and recognizes it as an unmerited gift of grace (Jer 1:5). Chavara’s gratitude for God’s mercy culminates in his desire to offer himself entirely to God. His reflections echo Romans 12:1, calling for a life of worship and holiness in response to God’s grace. His life and writings invite the believers to recognize God’s providence, respond in gratitude, and mold their lives according to His will.</p> Tomy Thomas Kattampally Copyright (c) 2025 2025-02-12 2025-02-12 16 2 210 223 Reading Chavara in the Context of Psalms https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he/article/view/4645 <p>Psalms, as powerful resource for spiritual growth, are human prayers raised to God, and every prayer, in one way or another, resembles the mind of the psalmist. A soul who seeks and wants to live for God reveals the spirit of the Psalms by praising God for who He is, what He has done and for His steadfast and everlasting faithfulness and love while affirming the greatness of God who is to be ever talked to, walked with in order to reach His house. Though looking at Chavara from the angle of Psalms could be a bit puzzling, from the said perspective, we see many similarities. An attempt is made to see the embeddedness of Chavara in the Psalms, and I proceed with connecting the sum total of his spirituality with the purpose of Psalms under three headings, i.e., 1) God’s house, the End of the good life, 2) God’s instructions, the way of the good life, and 3) God’s anointed king, which are closely related to good and happy life - the quintessence of Christian life.</p> Josin George Kaithakulam Copyright (c) 2025 2025-02-12 2025-02-12 16 2 224 236 Prophetic Leadership of Kuriakose Elias Chavara: Echoes of the Old Testament Prophets https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he/article/view/4646 <p>This article examines the prophetic dimensions of Kuriakose Elias Chavara’s leadership in 19<sup>th</sup> century Kerala, drawing parallels between his mission and the role of Old Testament prophets. It highlights how Chavara exemplified prophetic leadership in five key domains: pastoral mission, religious life, social justice, women empowerment, and family life. Similar to the Old Testament prophets who addressed societal injustices and called for a spiritual renewal, Chavara confronted the social and religious issues of his era through pioneering initiatives, which included the establishment of indigenous religious congregations, the founding of educational institutions for the marginalized communities, the promotion of women’s rights through the founding of the first religious congregation for women in India, and the guidance of Christian families through his seminal work, <em>Testament of a Loving Father.</em> The study demonstrates that Chavara’s prophetic vision transcended mere social reform, aiming for a holistic transformation of society through spiritual renewal, educational progress, and the promotion of social justice. By revisiting Chavara’s prophetic actions and insights, the study invites the readers to reflect on the enduring relevance of his mission in promoting justice, uplifting the marginalized, and nurturing strong, value-based communities. Ultimately, the article positions Chavara not only as a historical figure but also as a timeless guide whose prophetic legacy continues to inspire and challenge the modern society to pursue the comprehensive transformation grounded in faith and justice.</p> Bincy Thomas Thumpanathu Copyright (c) 2025 2025-02-12 2025-02-12 16 2 237 252 Reinterpreting Kuriakose Elias Chavara: Taylor’s Dweller and Seeker Framework for Contemporary Pastoral Care https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/he/article/view/4647 <p>This article examines the life of Kuriakose Elias Chavara through the lens of Charles Taylor’s dweller-seeker framework. In the context of the declining influence of traditional religion in the West, the paper explores Charles Taylor’s conceptualisation of the contemporary spiritual landscape using the framework of “dwellers” (those deeply committed to their established faith) and “seekers” (those actively searching for truth). The paper then applies Taylor’s framework to the life and mission of Chavara, arguing that he exemplified both dwelling and seeking while grounding firmly in the Church. Finally, the paper highlights the outcome of applying the dweller-seeker framework to Chavara’s life and its relevance to the Church in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by dwellers and seekers in contemporary times.</p> Jeff Shawn Jose Kaippettiyil & Paul Kunnampally Pallathucherry Copyright (c) 2025 2025-02-12 2025-02-12 16 2 253 275