Other Emerging Indian Servants of God

Emerging Indian Servants of God: A Call to Prayer and Support

India boasts a rich tapestry of Christian spirituality, woven with the lives of countless individuals who dedicated their lives to service, holiness, and the pursuit of God. Among these are numerous "Servants of God," individuals whose lives of virtue and holiness are currently being investigated by the Catholic Church for possible beatification and canonization. These emerging saints represent a vibrant and ongoing legacy of faith, hope, and love within the Indian Church, offering models of holiness for contemporary believers.

Figures like Venerable Varghese Payapilly, founder of the Sisters of the Destitute, stand as beacons of Christian charity. Declared "Venerable" by Pope Francis in 2016, Fr. Payapilly dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalized. Witnessing the plight of the destitute, particularly after the devastating floods of 1924, deeply impacted him. He felt a profound call to serve, to alleviate suffering, and to offer hope to those living on the margins of society. He established numerous institutions, including shelters, orphanages, and homes for the elderly, providing not just basic necessities but also education, vocational training, and spiritual guidance to those in need. His life exemplifies the transformative power of Christian compassion, demonstrating how faith can translate into concrete action that addresses the pressing social issues of the day.

Venerable Mathew Kadalikattil, founder of the Sacred Heart Congregation, provides another inspiring example of a life dedicated to service and holiness. Declared "Venerable" in 2011, Fr. Kadalikattil was a dedicated pastor, a gifted preacher, and a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized. He recognized the importance of education as a means of social upliftment and established numerous schools and colleges, providing quality education to countless young people, irrespective of their social or economic background. He also championed the cause of social justice, advocating for the rights of the poor and marginalized and working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his community.

Beyond priests, numerous religious sisters are also on the path to sainthood. Servant of God Mother Eliswa Vakayil, the foundress of the Teresian Carmelites, dedicated her life to serving the poor and marginalized, particularly women and children. She established numerous educational institutions and social welfare programs, empowering women and promoting the dignity of human life. Her unwavering commitment to the education of girls and women was groundbreaking in her time, contributing significantly to the social and economic empowerment of women in India.

Similarly, Servant of God Mother Mary Jane Wilson, the foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Victory, dedicated her life to serving the needs of the sick and the poor. She established numerous hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions, providing healthcare and education to those in need. Her life exemplifies the compassionate ministry of the Church, demonstrating the profound impact that religious congregations can have on society.

These are just a few examples of the many inspiring individuals who are currently being considered for sainthood by the Catholic Church in India. Servant of God Fr. John Vincent, a renowned Carmelite priest known for his deep spirituality and commitment to Christian unity and interfaith dialogue, is another noteworthy figure on this path. Fr. Vincent emphasized the importance of prayer, contemplation, and living a life rooted in Gospel values. He fostered interreligious dialogue and promoted understanding among people of different faiths, exemplifying the inclusivity and universality of the Christian message.

The process of beatification and canonization is a rigorous one, involving meticulous historical research, theological examination, and the investigation of miracles attributed to the individual. This rigorous process serves to ensure that the lives of these individuals truly exemplify the highest standards of Christian virtue and holiness. It is a testament to the Church's commitment to discerning authentic sanctity and recognizing those who have lived lives of extraordinary grace and service.

Supporting the Causes:

Faithful can play a vital role in supporting the causes of these emerging Servants of God.

• Prayer: Daily prayer for their beatification and canonization is crucial. Invoking their intercession for personal needs and for the Church can deepen our connection to these holy men and women and allow us to participate in their ongoing journey towards sainthood.
• Spread Awareness: Sharing their inspiring stories with others through social media, articles, and presentations helps to increase awareness and generate support for their causes.
• Support their Legacies: Supporting the works of the religious congregations founded by these individuals through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness about their charitable activities is another meaningful way to honor their legacies and continue their mission of service.

By supporting these causes, we not only contribute to the process of recognizing the holiness of these individuals but also participate in their ongoing legacy of service and compassion.

The lives of these emerging Indian Servants of God offer a powerful message of hope and inspiration for the 21st century. They remind us that holiness is not an unattainable ideal, but a lived reality, a response to God's grace that transforms lives and shapes communities. By learning more about their lives and supporting their causes, we can draw inspiration from their examples and strive to live lives of holiness and service in our own communities.

The lives of these emerging Indian Servants of God offer a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith lived out in action. They demonstrate that holiness is not an abstract ideal but a lived reality, a response to God's grace that shapes lives and transforms communities. Venerable Varghese Payapilly, with his unwavering commitment to serving the poor and marginalized, exemplifies the Church's social mission. Venerable Mathew Kadalikattil, through his dedication to education and social justice, highlights the importance of faith-based service in addressing the needs of society. The lives of religious sisters like Mother Eliswa Vakayil and Mother Mary Jane Wilson underscore the vital role of women in the Church and their profound impact on society through their ministries of education, healthcare, and social service.

These individuals, through their lives of holiness, service, and dedication, offer powerful models of Christian living for the 21st century. They remind us that true discipleship involves not just personal piety but also a commitment to justice, compassion, and service to others. By learning more about their lives and supporting their causes, we can draw inspiration from their examples and strive to live lives of holiness and service in our own communities.

The stories of these emerging Servants of God are not just historical anecdotes; they are living testimonies to the enduring power of the Gospel to transform lives and shape the course of history. As we journey alongside these individuals on their path to sainthood, we are reminded that holiness is not a distant ideal but a call to each of us to live lives of love, service, and authentic discipleship.