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The tomb of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara at St. Joseph’s Monastery, Mannanam, witnessed a heavy rush of devotees on Sunday on the occasion of his canonisation at the Vatican.

St. Chavara cannot be claimed by any particular community or Church; he is part of the common heritage of Kerala society: Oommen Chandy

The services of Kuriakose Elias Chavara were recalled by leaders from all sections of society at a civic gathering held at St. Joseph’s Monastery, Mannanam, to coincide with his canonisation.

Inaugurating the meeting, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the call made by St. Chavara in his capacity as the vicar general of the Catholic community to start a school along with every parish church (Palliyodoppam Pallikkudom) was one of the key factors that led to the State’s march in the education sector during the past more than a century.

He could not be claimed by any particular community or Church, but was part of the common heritage of Kerala society, Mr. Chandy said. His contributions were never confined to the spiritual and religious spheres but transcended them into the sphere of social reform where he crusaded for the downtrodden.

Though acknowledgements of greatness were delayed, entire society could take pride in the recognition of his work globally, Mr. Chandy said.

K.M. Mani, Ramesh Chennithala, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Anoop Jacob (all Ministers); P.C. George, Government Chief Whip; Anto Antony and Joy Abraham, MPs, and others spoke on the occasion.

The day began early Sunday at the last resting place of St. Chavara at Mannanam where thousands of devotees arrived to participate in the special prayers arranged in connection with his canonisation, along with that of five others, including Euphrasia Eluvathinkal.

In the morning, there were special masses at 6.30 a.m. and 8 a.m. to coincide with the canonisation process.

By 10.30 a.m., the rosary rallies taken out by the Kudamaloor, Athirampuzha, and Kaipuzha parishes started arriving. After the prayers at 1 p.m., the direct telecast of the canonisation process began. This was followed by a special thanksgiving mass celebrated by 100 priests. The special prayers of the day came to a close with the first rasa carrying the image of St. Chavara at Mannanam.