"Today January 3, 1871....in the morning, Fr Cyriac (Kuriakos) Elias of the Holy Family, the first Prior, died after life of great innocence. He could declare before his death that he had never lost his baptysmal innocence. he was exercising himself in the practice of virtues, especially in the simplicity of heart, living faith, tender obedience and devotion to the blessed Sacrament, to the Bl Virgin mary and to St joseph. He has undergone immense hardship for the good of the Christians of Malabar, especially during the time of schism of Rochas, when he being appointed vicar general of the Syrians, showed his extraordinary devotion to the Holy See. He fought day and night to arrest the spread of schism from which he could save not less than 40 parishes. On this account the Holy Father Pope Pius IX sent him a letter expressing is great satisfaction. He was the founder abd the first Prior of the Third Order Carmelites of Malabar. He founded also the convent of nuns after undergoing many hardships. On account of his endearing virtues, learning and profound knowledge of the Syriac lamguage he enjoyed great influance on the Syrians of Malabar. He was always greatly loved by the Vicars apostolic of Malabar, much more by the people of Malabar, the gentiles and Nestorians not excluded. He endured his last illness for two years in a spirit of great resignation, nay with joy. He was detached from all disorderly affections for earthly things, which was all the more truein the last days of his life. Having received the last sacraments with extraordinary piety and devotion, in heavenly joy, and amids the tears of all who knew him, especially of mine, who knew him even as myself, he breathed his last at the age of 65 and was buried in the church of St Philomena at Koonammavu. O holy and beautiful souls, pray for me." From a note written by Fr Leopold Beccaro, OCD, after the death of his spiritual director. Taken from Discalced Carmelite Proper Offices.
Posts
