Mother Eliswa Declared Blessed at Vallarpadam Shrine in Kerala

Kochi, Kerala, November 9, 2025: In a solemn and historic beatification ceremony, Mother Eliswa was declared Blessed at the Vallarpadam National Shrine Basilica on Saturday. Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, Malaysia, and Papal Delegate representing Pope Leo XIV, officially proclaimed Mother Eliswa as Blessed, raising her to the honours of the altar.

Cardinal Francis highlighted that the life of Mother Eliswa resonates deeply with every woman — as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. “Submitting to the will of her parents, Eliswa obeyed them to marry Vatharu Vakayil, who died unexpectedly soon after the birth of their only child, Anna. Through these personal experiences, Mother Eliswa can relate with every wife, every pregnant woman, every mother, every single mother, every widow after the death of her husband. She allowed God to reshape her identity as the bride of Christ and the spiritual mother to many,” he said.

Her steadfast faith also influenced her sister Thresia and daughter Anna to embrace her way of life. Together, these three women founded the Third Order of the Carmelite Discalced (TOCD) and the present Congregation of Teresian Carmelites (CTC) — Kerala’s first indigenous convent and a pioneering community for the Church in India, the Cardinal added.

Referring to the miracle that led to her beatification, Cardinal Francis said, “We are all aware of the miracle in the womb.” In 2005, in Emakulam, Kerala, a baby girl diagnosed with a cleft lip at 34 weeks of pregnancy was miraculously healed in the womb through Mother Eliswa’s intercession. The Vatican recognised this miracle, paving the way for her beatification.

“Now, Mother Eliswa is a step closer to sainthood,” Cardinal Francis continued. “As we praise and thank God for this first miracle, I invite you to pray for a second one to take place. From being declared Blessed, we now look forward to her canonisation as a saint in God’s time, as countless hearts continue to be uplifted and inspired by her holy, courageous and unwavering life of faith and love.”

During the ceremony, Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil of the Verapoly Archdiocese made the formal request for beatification. As Cardinal Francis made the announcement, church bells rang out across the basilica. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, sent a message, while Cardinal Oswald Gracias unveiled the holy image of Blessed Mother Eliswa. Her relics were officially received and enshrined at the altar.

Following the Mass, Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, President of the CBCI, released the Novena of Mother Eliswa. Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, President of the KRLCBC, launched a souvenir, while Archbishop Dr Joseph Kalathiparambil released a coffee table book, presenting the first copy to Mother Shaheela CTC. The celebrations concluded with a solemn procession carrying the holy image of Blessed Mother Eliswa to the basilica.

Mother Eliswa Declared Blessed at Vallarpadam Shrine in Kerala

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