Amidst the controversies on attacks against churches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday will be the chief guest of a function to be organised by Indian churches to mark the elevation to Sainthood of two Indians by the Vatican. The function organised by the Catholic churches in India at Vigyan Bhawan would be attended by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptullah.
The function presided by Delhi Arch Bishop Anil Couto will be inaugurated by Modi, preceded by a seminar on ‘Challenges in Religious life in Contemporary India”. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien and Arch Bishop’s of Christian congregations will also take part in the national celebration on elevation of Sainthood two Indians by Pope.
Vatican had recently elevated Mar Kuriakose alias Chavara and Marth Euphrasia as Saints. Both were from Kerala and canonized by Vatican in November 2014. Father Kuriakose was from Syro-Malabar Church and passed away in 1871 at the age of 65.
He was Beatified by Vatican and announced by Pope John Paul -II during his India visit in 1986. Mother Superior Euphrasia was also from the Syro-Malabar Church and passed away in 1952 at the age of 75.