The Catholic church in Kerala today organised a thanksgiving ceremony in connection with the elevation of Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia Eluvathinkal as Saints by the Vatican.
A holy Mass led by Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishiop of the Syro Malabar church, was held at the Rajagiri valley at nearby Kakkanad in which Cardinal Baselious Cleemis addressed the gathering of about 50,000 faithful who had congregated from various parts of the state.
Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Salvatore Penancchio also attended the function.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy addressed a public meeting held later.
Priests and Bishops of three Catholic denominations--Syro Malabar Church, Latin Catholic Church and Malankara Church participated.
Earlier, the faithful carrying the holy relics of Fr Chavara from Mannanam and those of Sr Euphrasia from Ollur reached the valley.
