January 3
Ciriaco Elías Chavara of the Sagrada Familia (1805–1871)
Founding Carmelite priest
Practical advice
Unite prayer and apostolate today: before beginning a task for others, ask God to do it with right intention.
Biography
Syro-Malabar priest from India, Ciriaco Elías Chavara renewed the Christian life of Kerala through training, education and ecclesial unity. He was co-founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, the first male religious institute to emerge in the Indian Church, and promoted a female congregation to educate girls. He founded seminaries, schools, a Catholic printing press and a home for the abandoned and dying. As vicar general he defended his Church from a schism. His motto united personal sanctification with the salvation of others.
Example of
Self-givingPerseveranceFounding spirit