Varghese Payyappilly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids VenerablePayyappilly Varghese Kathanar |
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Venerable Varghese Payyappilly
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| Born | 8 August 1876 Perumanoor, Kerala, India |
| Died | 5 October 1929 (aged 53) Konthuruthy, Kerala, India |
Varghese Payyappilly was a special priest from Kerala, India. He belonged to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. He is known for starting a group of nuns called the Sisters of the Destitute. These nuns help people who are poor and in need. In 2018, Pope Francis gave him the title "Venerable". This means the Church believes he lived a very holy life.
Who Was Varghese Payyappilly?
Varghese Payyappilly was born on August 8, 1876. His birth name was Kunjuvaru. His parents were Lonan and Kunjumariam. He was born into the Payyappilly family in a place called Perumanoor.
This family is very old and has a long history in India. They are part of the Saint Thomas Christian community. These Christians believe their faith started when Thomas the Apostle visited India long ago. The name "Payyappilly" means "beautiful building" or "beautiful house."
His Early Life and Education
Varghese went to school in his hometown, Perumanoor. He also studied at St. Albert's School in Ernakulam. He decided to become a priest and went to special schools for religious training. He studied at Mangalapuzha Seminary and later at the Papal Seminary in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
On December 21, 1907, he became a priest. People then knew him as Payyappilly Varghese Kathanar. He also learned the Syriac language, which is important for his church.
His Work as a Priest
Varghese Kathanar served as a parish priest in several places. He worked in Kadamakkudy, Alangad, and Arakuzha. While he was in Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Arakuzha, he started St. Mary's Higher Secondary School.
He worked hard to improve the church and help families. He even bought land for the church to make it stronger. He also bought land to build another church, St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Meenkunnam.
Varghese Kathanar also managed St. Mary's High School in Aluva. He was known for encouraging many young students to become priests. People respected him a lot.
Helping Others
Varghese Kathanar was a kind and caring person. He was a member of the Diocesan Council, which helps run the church. He was also good at solving problems between people. Many came to him for advice.
He cared deeply for the poor and those who were suffering. In 1924, there was a big flood. Varghese Kathanar helped many victims. He turned his church into a safe place for people who lost their homes. He also used St. Mary's High School as a shelter. He even brought food to them by boat.
Sisters of the Destitute
Varghese Payyappilly wanted to do even more to help the poor. So, on March 19, 1927, he started a new group called the Sisters of the Destitute. He wanted this group to continue Jesus' mission of helping those in need.
He would find people who were abandoned and bring them to a special home. There, the nuns would care for them. The group was first called "Little Sisters of the Poor." But later, its name was changed to "Sisters of the Destitute." This was to avoid confusion with another group that had a similar name.
His Passing Away
In September 1929, Varghese Payyappilly became very sick. He was taken to the hospital. He died from typhoid fever on October 5, 1929. He was buried in St. John Nepumsian Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Konthuruthy.
Steps to Becoming a Saint
Servant of God
The process to recognize Payyappilly as a saint began on August 25, 2009. On September 6, 2009, he was given the title "Servant of God." This is the first step in the process.
Venerable
In 2011, his remains were moved to a new tomb. A special group studied a possible miracle where a nun, Sr. Mercina, was healed through his prayers. In 2018, Pope Francis officially declared him "Venerable." This means the Church believes he lived a life of heroic goodness.
Images for kids
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Funeral of Payyappilly Varghese Kathanar on October 6, 1929
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Members of the Payyappilly family at his tomb during his 50th Dukrana (memorial) on October 5, 1979
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Kanjirappally bishop Mar Mathew Arackal and Prasant Payyappilly Palakkappilly at his tomb during his 81st Dukrana
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Tomb of Payyappilly Varghese Kathanar at St. John Nepumsian Syro-Malabar Church, Konthuruthy
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New tomb with his remains after they were moved
