Venerable Mother Eliswa Vakayil was the precursor of women religious in Kerala, India and the foundress of the first indigenous Congregation (TOCD) for women in Kerala. She established the first convent school, boarding house, and orphanage for girls in Kerala Church and provided a value-oriented and integral formation for girls and women.
Declaration of the Beatification of Venerable Mother Eliswa
The Holy Father has announced the date for the solemn Declaration of the Beatification of the Venerable Mother Eliswa of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Foundress of the Congregation of the Third Order of Discalced Carmelites (TOCD – now the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites and the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel). The Beatification will take place on 8th November 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam. The solemn Eucharistic Celebration will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, Malaysia.
The Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Leopold Girelli, together with Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil of Verapoly, Fr. Miguel Marquez Calle OCD the Superior General of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, Fr. Marco Chiesa OCD, the Postulator General of the OCD, as well as many Cardinals, Archbishops, bishops and priests from within India and abroad, will join in concelebrating this historic Sacred Liturgy. This blessed occasion is not only a moment of grace for the Congregation, but also a gift for the entire Church, as Mother Eliswa is honoured for her exemplary holiness and her enduring witness of the Gospel.
Mother Eliswa Vakayil (1831–1913) was born in Ochanthuruth, Kerala. Widowed at a young age, she chose to dedicate her life to prayer and service, guided by a profound love for God and neighbour. In 1866, she founded the first indigenous religious congregation for women in Kerala, the Third Order of Discalced Carmelites. After twenty-four years, in 1890, the congregation was divided according to the Latin and Syro-Malabar rites, giving rise to two distinct congregations: The Congregation of Teresian Carmelites (CTC) and the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC).
Through her tireless commitment in establishing school, orphanage, and Boarding house for girls, Mother Eliswa devoted herself to education, pastoral care, and the upliftment of women, particularly the poor and marginalized. Her enduring legacy of compassion and faith continues to inspire generations, and her Beatification stands as a recognition of her holiness and of her intercession for the people of God.
Sr. Shahila CTC , Superior General
Congregation of Teresian Carmelites