Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed Saint Chavara and Saint Euphresia, stating that their life and deeds were an inspiration not only for Christians but for humanity as a whole.
"I am delighted to participate in this function to celebrate the elevation to sainthood of two great saints of Kerala - Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Saint Euphresia. The whole country is proud of their recognition. Their elevation was preceded by that of Saint Alphonsa, who also hailed from Kerala," the Prime Minister said at the national celebration of the elevation to Sainthood of Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Mother Euphrasia.
"The life and deeds of Saint Chavara and Saint Euphresia are an inspiration not only to the Christian community, but to humanity as a whole. They are shining examples of dedication to God through selfless service for the betterment of mankind," he added.
The Prime Minister pointed out that both saints believed in the service of God via the service of the fellow man.
"Saint Chavara was a man of prayer and also a social reformer. In an era when access to education was limited, he stressed that every church should have a school. He thus opened the doors of education to people from all sections of society. Few outside Kerala know that he started a Sanskrit school, and also a printing press. His contribution towards women's empowerment was also noteworthy," he said.
"Saint Euphrasia was a mystic who dedicated her life to prayer and devotion to God. Both these saints dedicated their life to God through service of fellow beings. The ancient Indian saying: welfare of the world is the way to moksha (salvation) - explains their life," Prime Minister Modi added.
Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia had been canonized by Pope Francis at St Peter's Square in the Vatican City on November 24.
