THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor P Sathasivam on Sunday exhorted the devotees to carry forward the goodness imparted by Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sr Euphrasia for the general good of the public. He was inaugurating a meeting organised by the Syro-Malabar, Latin and Syro-Malankara Catholic Churches at the Lourdes Forane Church here to celebrate the Canonisation of Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sr Euphrasia. Sathasivam said that they had accomplished a task of social integration which even our governments failed to achieve.
“Fr Chavara, who was blessed with fine qualities, was also a pioneer of renaissance movement in the state. Though his resources were limited, he had a compassionate heart to understand the real needs of society then in 19th century. Similarly, through the canonisation of Sr Euphrasia, the Catholic Church across the world has identified a true spiritual mystic,’’ the Governor said. He said the best way of serving the God is by serving the people.
Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios said that their contributions toward the uplift of the marginalised sections were immense. Archbishop Joseph Mar Powathil of the Syro-Malabar Church said that Fr Chavara and Sr Euphrasia should be role models in terms of their social outlook and commitment. Minister for Health V S Sivakumar, K Muraleedharan MLA and Mayor K Chandrika conveyed greetings at the function.