Sat Nov 08 15:09:49 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Mother Eliswa Vakayil, the first nun from Kerala, India, and founder of the Third Order of the Discalced Carmelites (TOCD), was beatified on November 8, 2025, in a ceremony at the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadom, Ernakulam. Cardinal Sebastian Francis, representing Pope Leo XIV, officiated the event, attended by thousands. Mother Eliswa is remembered for her contributions to women’s religious life, particularly her establishment of the first convent school, boarding house, and orphanage for girls in Kerala. Beatification is a step towards potential sainthood, requiring verification of a further miracle attributed to her.
News Article:
Kerala Nun, Mother Eliswa Vakayil, Declared “Blessed” in Historic Beatification Ceremony
KOCHI, INDIA – November 8, 2025 – In a momentous occasion for the Catholic Church in Kerala, Mother Eliswa Vakayil, the first nun from the region and founder of the Third Order of the Discalced Carmelites (TOCD), was formally beatified today at the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom in Vallarpadom, Ernakulam.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, Malaysia, and papal delegate representing Pope Leo XIV, led the solemn ceremony, attended by thousands of devotees and religious leaders. The event marked a significant step towards potential sainthood for Mother Eliswa, 112 years after her death.
Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil petitioned for the declaration of beatification of the nun, considered as a trailblazer in women’s religious life in Kerala. Addressing the congregation, Cardinal Francis highlighted Mother Eliswa’s life as an example of saintly devotion in a world facing numerous challenges.
Mother Eliswa (1831-1913) is celebrated for her pioneering work in establishing the first convent school, boarding house, and orphanage for girls in Kerala. Her tomb has become a popular pilgrimage site.
The process of beatification began in 2008, and she was declared Venerable in 2023 by Pope Francis. The approval of a miracle attributed to her intercession paved the way for today’s beatification.
To be canonized as a Saint, one further miracle attributed to her intercession must be verified and approved by the Holy See. The Novena of Blessed Mother Eliswa was released by Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, and Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal released a souvenir commemorating the occasion. Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil released a coffee-table book by presenting the first copy to Mother Shahila, Superior General of CTC.
First Piper 