Venerable Thomas Kurialacherry – Founder of SABS and Champion of Eucharistic Devotion

VEN. THOMAS KURIALACHERRY

Venerable Thomas Kurialacherry was a bishop and founder of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS). Renowned for his deep Eucharistic devotion, he led with humility, fostered education, and worked for social reform in Kerala, India.

Venerable Thomas Kurialacherry, born on January 14, 1873, in Kerala, India, emerged as one of the most influential Catholic leaders in the Syro-Malabar Church. Raised in a devout family, he showed signs of piety and dedication to spiritual life from an early age. His formative years were marked by academic excellence and a growing devotion to the Eucharist, which would become the hallmark of his ministry.

After completing his early studies, Thomas traveled to Rome to pursue his priestly formation at the Propaganda Fide College. There, he deepened his theological understanding and developed a global vision of the Catholic Church. He was ordained a priest in 1899 and returned to India, where he began a remarkable pastoral mission characterized by education, spiritual renewal, and care for the poor.

In 1911, Pope Pius X appointed him the first bishop of the newly erected Diocese of Changanacherry. As bishop, Kurialacherry was deeply committed to Eucharistic adoration, a devotion that led him to found the Congregation of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS) in 1908, even before his episcopal appointment. His vision for the congregation was to create a religious community dedicated to perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, combined with active apostolic work in education and social outreach.

Bishop Thomas Kurialacherry was ahead of his time in advocating for women's education and empowerment, founding schools, convents, and charitable institutions across his diocese. He also worked to bridge caste divisions and uplift the marginalized. His social concern went hand-in-hand with his spiritual leadership, and he believed that transformation through the Eucharist should radiate into acts of justice and love in the community.

He was known for his humility, ascetic lifestyle, and pastoral zeal. His spirituality was deeply rooted in Eucharistic theology, and he considered the Blessed Sacrament not only a symbol of Christ’s presence but the heart of Christian life. He often encouraged the faithful to draw strength and guidance from silent adoration and emphasized the importance of regular Communion and confession.

In 1925, while attending the Eucharistic Congress in Chicago, Bishop Kurialacherry became ill. He passed away on June 2, 1925, in Rome, at the age of 52. His mortal remains were later transferred to Champakulam, Kerala, where thousands continue to venerate him.

On April 2, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared Thomas Kurialacherry “Venerable,” recognizing his life of heroic virtue. His beatification cause is actively pursued, with many faithful praying for his intercession, particularly in matters of healing and vocational discernment.

Feast Day

5-10-

Birth Date

14-1-1873

Died Date

2-6-1925

Canonised Date

2-4-2011

Kerala, India

O Lord, who guided Venerable Thomas Kurialacherry in a life of holiness and pastoral care, grant us the grace to follow his footsteps in humility, service, and love for the Eucharist. May his example lead us to a deeper faith and unwavering trust in Your divine will. Amen
VEN. THOMAS KURIALACHERRY

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VEN. THOMAS KURIALACHERRY

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