Mother Eliswa to be declared ‘Blessed’ on November 8

Mother Eliswa, the first nun in the history of the Catholic Church in Kerala and the founder of the Third Order of the Discalced Carmelites (TOCD), is set to be elevated to the status of “Blessed” with Pope Leo XIV approving the same.

The declaration, which comes 112 years after her death, will take place at the National Marian Pilgrimage Centre, the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadom on Saturday (November 8, 2025), a release from Archdiocese of Varapuzha, said. The ceremony will begin at 4.30 pm.

Archbishop of Varapuzha Joseph Kalathiparambil will formally petition for the declaration of beatification. Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, Malaysia, and papal delegate representing Pope Leo XIV, will officially proclaim Mother Eliswa as Blessed.

Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli will convey a message. Cardinal Oswald Gracias will unveil the devotional image of Blessed Mother Eliswa. The ceremonies will conclude with the procession of the devotional image to the basilica, followed by a musical presentation on the life of Mother Eliswa.

The TODC, founded by Mother Eliswa on February 13, 1866, was later divided according to the respective rites in 1890, leading to the formation of two Religious Congregations: the Congregation of the Teresian Carmelites (CTC) and the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC).

The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Vatican, had declared Mother Eliswa Venerable on November 8, 2023, in recognition of her heroic virtues and sanctity of life.