Studied with a Hindu teacher until age 10, and learned a variety of languages and regional dialects. Entered the seminary in 1818; ordained on 29 November 1829. Co-founder and first prior-general of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. The main work of the Congregation is education aiming at the intellectual, social, economic, moral and spiritual advancement of people, especially women and children; it works today in eight countries with almost 5,000 members. Kuriakose made his religious profession in the Congregation in 1855. Vicar-general for the Syro-Malabar church in 1861. Defended ecclesial unity which was threatened by schism by the consecration of Nestorian bishops in his area. Worked to renew the faith in Malabar. Co-founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Mother of Carmel in 1866. Known as a man of prayer with a devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary.
Born
10 February 1805 at Kainakary, Kersala, India
Died
• 3 January 1871 at Koonammuva, India of natural causes
• relics transferred to Mannanam in 1889
Venerated
7 April 1984 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
8 February 1986 by Pope John Paul II at Kottayam, India
Canonized
• 23 November 2014 by Pope Francis
• his canonization miracle involved the cure of an eye disorder suffered by a girl named Maria in 2007
