A Carmelite gem

If you have Universalis on your computer, you can follow the Carmelite option in the calendar, and then you are alerted to Carmelite saints' days. This does not just mean the universally recognised greats like Teresa and Therese, but a host of saints lesser-known in the Anglo-Saxon world. Such is St Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805-1871), whose feast day is today. He was born in Kerala, India, and has the distinction of being the co-founder and first prior general of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. In 1861 the community became affiliated as a Third Order Institute of the Order of Discalced Carmelites - so that is one reason among many for us in the UK to feel a special affinity with him. Kuriakose was also co-founder of the Sisters of the Mother of Carmel in 1866. Entering Secular Carmel means being introduced into a unique worldwide family. St Kuriakose, pray for us!