Who Are the Syro-Malabar Saints?
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, one of the largest and oldest Eastern Catholic Churches in the world, is a vibrant community rooted in the apostolic faith of Saint Thomas the Apostle. According to tradition, Saint Thomas brought the Gospel to the coast of Kerala, India, in the first century, planting seeds that would grow into a flourishing Church of deep devotion and missionary zeal.
Today, the Syro-Malabar Church is known for its rich liturgy, deep sense of family faith, and remarkable number of modern saints and blesseds who show what holiness looks like in everyday life. Their lives blend Eastern spirituality with a uniquely Indian expression of faith — humble, disciplined, and profoundly compassionate.
Among the most beloved Syro-Malabar saints is Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a reformer, writer, and co-founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. He devoted his life to education, social reform, and prayer, reminding the faithful that true renewal begins with personal holiness. You can honor his legacy with our Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara Prayer Card.
Another light of the Syro-Malabar Church is Blessed Mariam Thresia Chiramel, foundress of the Congregation of the Holy Family. Her life was marked by bold compassion and mysticism — she built homes for the poor, cared for the dying, and prayed deeply for families in need of healing. Her story reminds us that love for God must always flow into love for others. Her memory is beautifully captured in our Blessed Mariam Thresia Prayer Card.
Blessed Augustine Thevarparampil, affectionately known as “Kunjachan,” was a humble village priest who dedicated his life to serving Dalits — the poorest and most marginalized in Indian society. His holiness was quiet but radiant, showing that sainthood often comes through small acts of mercy repeated with great love. You can find his image and prayer on our Blessed Augustine Thevarparampil (Kunjachan) Prayer Card.
These saints share a common spirit of humility, service, and unwavering faith — the hallmarks of Syro-Malabar spirituality. They remind us that holiness doesn’t belong only to ancient hermits or martyrs, but to every person who dares to love God deeply and serve His people faithfully.
At The Eastern Church, we’re honored to share their stories through our handmade Syro-Malabar Catholic Prayer Cards Collection, each one crafted in prayer to preserve the beauty and depth of this living tradition. Whether for personal devotion, parish distribution, or gifts of faith, these cards keep alive the example of saints who walked the dusty roads of Kerala and found heaven there.
The Syro-Malabar saints show us that holiness flourishes wherever the Gospel takes root — whether in ancient Lebanon, Rome, or the villages of southern India. Their legacy continues to inspire families, priests, and the faithful around the world to live courageously for Christ.
Explore their lives, pray their prayers, and let their witness remind you: sanctity is possible anywhere the heart is willing. Visit our Syro-Malabar Prayer Cards to learn more about these extraordinary saints and to share their faith wherever you are.
