Pope Leo XIV’s visits to Kerala: A proud moment for the Augustinian Congregation

Kochi: The new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the papal name Leo XIV, visited Kerala twice during his tenure as the Superior General of the Augustinian Congregation from 2004 to November 2014. On both occasions, he visited the Mariyapuram Church at Thaikkattukara, Aluva.

On 22 April 2004, he presided over the ordination ceremony of six deacons to the priesthood at the St Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Kaloor. The solemn liturgy was led by Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil, with Leo XIV serving as the chief celebrant. He laid hands on the ordinands and offered blessings as part of the rite.

The priests ordained that day were: Fr John Bosco, Fr Augustine, Fr Robert Roy, Fr Shiju Varghese Kallarakkal, Fr Aloysius Kochikkaran, and Fr Jibi Kattathara.

In addition to Kaloor and Aluva, Leo XIV also visited other Augustinian monasteries in Edakochi, Thalappuzha, and Kollam. According to Fr Wilson OSA, the Provincial Superior of the Augustinians in India, Pope Leo was a gentle and approachable leader with a deep affection for Kerala. Though soft-spoken, he had a remarkable memory for people and would often recall individuals by name even after many years.

Fr Wilson also remarked that the Augustinian community had long hoped that Cardinal Robert Prevost, a close friend of Pope Francis, might one day ascend to the papacy. In 2006, he returned to Kerala and visited several monasteries and houses of formation.