112 years after her death, Kerala’s first nun, Mother Eliswa Vakayil, to be declared ‘blessed’

Synopsis : In a historic moment for Kerala’s Catholic community, Eliswa of the Blessed Virgin, also known as Mother Eliswa Vakayil, will be elevated to the rank of “Blessed” on 8 November. She was the first nun in the history of the Church in Kerala and the founder of the state’s first indigenous women’s religious congregation.

In a historic moment for Kerala’s Catholic community, Eliswa of the Blessed Virgin, also known as Mother Eliswa Vakayil, will be elevated to the rank of “Blessed” on 8 November, marking a major step toward sainthood. She was the first nun in the history of the Church in Kerala and the founder of the state’s first indigenous women’s religious congregation.

Pope Leo XIV has approved the beatification in April, 112 years after Mother Eliswa’s passing.

The solemn ce