Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara Advice
Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara
Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara was an Indian Catholic priest, an educator, a social reformer. Kuriakose was born in Kerala, in southwestern India, to Christian parents. His family belonged to an ancient community descended from Christians baptized by St. Thomas the Apostle in the 1st Century AD. Before he became a Carmelite priest, Kuriakose was an educator and social reformer. He established printing press. During his life, Kuriakose was a prolific writer.
On his deathbed he gave a beautiful homily which is relevant even today. He Said.
"Why are you sad? All God's people must die someday. My hour has come. By the grace of God, I prepared myself for it since long. My parents taught me to keep the Holy Family always in my mind and to honor them throughout my life. As I had always the protection of the Holy Family I can tell you with confidence that I have never lost the baptismal grace I received in baptism. I dedicate our little Congregation and each of you to the Holy Family. Always rely on Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Let the Holy Family reign in your hearts. Don't be sad about my dying. Joyfully submit yourselves to the will of God. God is all powerful and His blessings are countless. God will provide you with a new Prior who will be a source of blessing for the Congregation as well as for you. Hold fast to the constitution, the rules of our elders and that of the Church. Love our Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament with all your heart. Draw the waters of eternal life from that fountain as in the words of the Prophet Elijah. All the members of the congregation, especially elders must be charitable to one another. If you do so, God will be glorified by the congregation and which will be flourished day after day. Your charity will bring salvation to souls."
