Saints from India

Apostles in India

Apostles were the closest followers of Jesus Christ, tasked with spreading His teachings. In India, Apostles introduced Christianity, established early churches, and nurtured Christian communities.

St. Thomas the Apostle (Mar Thoma)

Born: 1st century AD, Galilee

Died: 3 July 72 AD, Mylapore, Chennai

Introduced Christianity to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Established early churches and baptized local communities. Martyred on St. Thomas Mount.

Feast: 3 July

St. Bartholomew the Apostle

Born: 1st century AD, Cana (Galilee)

Died: 1st century AD, Armenia

Preached in the Konkan coast near Bombay, spreading Christian teachings to local populations.

Feast: 24 August

Canonized Saints of India

Saints are individuals recognized by the Church for their holiness, virtuous life, and miracles. These canonized saints contributed to Indian society through missionary work, education, social reform, and care for the poor.

St. Francis Xavier

Born: 7 April 1506, Navarra (Spain)

Died: 3 December 1552, China

Cofounder of the Jesuits and patron of India. Evangelized in Goa, Tamil Nadu, and coastal regions, converting thousands to Christianity.

Canonized: 1622

Feast: 3 December

St. Gonsalo Garcia

Born: 15 May 1557, Bassein (Bombay)

Died: 5 February 1597, Nagasaki (Japan)

First Indian-born saint. Served as a Franciscan friar, preached in India, and evangelized coastal communities before martyrdom in Japan.

Canonized: 1862

Feast: 6 February

St. Devasahayam Pillai (Lazarus)

Born: 23 April 1712, Palliyadi (Tamil Nadu)

Died: 14 January 1752, Aralvaimozhi (Tamil Nadu)

Layperson and martyr, canonized in 2022. Witnessed faith and justice through evangelization and steadfastness under persecution.

Feast: 14 January

St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara

Born: 8 February 1805, Kainakari (Kerala)

Died: 3 January 1871, Koonammavu (Kerala)

Cofounder of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) and Congregation of Mother of Carmel (CMC). Promoted education and spirituality in Kerala.

Canonized: 2014

Feast: 3 January

St. Mariam Thresia

Born: 26 April 1876, Thrissur (Kerala)

Died: 8 June 1926, Thrissur (Kerala)

Founded the Congregation of the Holy Family. Known for mystical life and promoting family values and social service.

Canonized: 2019

Feast: 8 June

St. Alphonsa

Born: 19 August 1910, Kottayam (Kerala)

Died: 28 July 1946, Kottayam (Kerala)

First woman saint from India. A Franciscan Clarist nun, admired for holiness and suffering endured with faith.

Canonized: 2008

Feast: 28 July

St. Euphrasia

Born: 17 October 1877, Kattoor (Kerala)

Died: 29 August 1952, Ollur (Kerala)

Nun of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel. Known for deep spirituality, mystical life, and service to the poor.

Canonized: 2014

Feast: 29 August

St. Mother Teresa

Born: 26 August 1910, Skopje (Macedonia)

Died: 5 September 1997, Calcutta

Founder of the Missionaries of Charity. Renowned for serving the poorest of the poor, expanding missions globally, and promoting charity in India.

Canonized: 2016

Feast: 5 September