Kochi, Jan 10, 2020: Father Varkey Kattarath, the founder of Vincentian Congregation, will be declared a Servant of God soon, marking the commencement of the cause for his canonization.
The priest was born on October 31, 1851, and died on October 24, 1931. His mortal remains were interred at St Gregorious Church, Thottakam.
After serving at various parishes as vicar, he conveyed his wish to become a monk to Bishop Louis Pazheparambil of Ernakulam in 1904.
Father Kattarath, along with three other diocesan priests at Thottakam near Vaikom, formed the Vincentian Congregation on November 20, 1904.
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints has given permission to initiate the canonization procedures of the priest based on a recommendation by the Synod of the Syro Malabar Church.
Superior General of Vincentian Congregation Father Sebastian Thundathikunnel said the archdiocesan procedures for canonization would begin soon.
The Vincentian Congregation now has over 565 priests working in various parts of the world. The congregation leads the charismatic renewal movement in India, especially in Kerala.
Source: newindianexpress.com