Indian bishops thank God for the gift of new saints

The bishops said canonization was an occasion to thank God for the gift of two Indian saints to the Church.

New Delhi:  The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has issued a statement expressing joy that two Indians--Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Euphrasia Eluvanthingal--have been declared saints in the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis canonised them at the Vatican on November 23.

“This is an occasion for us to rejoice and at the same time, to thank God for the wonderful gift of these two saints to the Church in India, and to the Universal Church at large,” said the statement.

The canonization of these two native Indians was testimony that “Christian faith is deeply rooted in Indian soil and that thousands of men and women in our motherland dedicate their whole life to follow Jesus Christ intimately in His footsteps,” the statement said.

The lives of these two saints are in perfect conformity with the Gospel values as well as with the ancient ethos of our dear Nation, the bishops’ statement said.

The these two sages "had offered their lives in humble service to others, bearing powerful witness to the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Their lives have become an inspiration for many to follow Jesus Christ with dedication and sacrifice. Let us earnestly pray that the new saints intercede for us and that the legacy of their lives shine forth in our country,” the bishops said.

Source: CBCI