Constantine Beschi: Italian Jesuit Who Served in South India Declared ‘Servant of God’

During a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Pondicherry–Cuddalore on Aug 3, Archbishop Francis Kalist declared Italian Jesuit missionary Constantine Joseph Beschi as a Servant of God, formally initiating the process toward his beatification and canonization.

The Mass was concelebrated by over 200 priests, including Jesuits, and attended by more than 1000 lay faithful.

Beschi (1680–1747), popularly known as Veeramamunivar, served in the southern regions now comprising the state of Tamil Nadu for 36 years. A pioneer in inculturation, he is remembered not only for his missionary zeal but also for his contributions to the development of the Tamil language.

The celebration began with a procession from the Archbishop’s House, in which participants carried banners depicting key moments from Beschi’s life and mission. Also carried were statues of Periya Nayagi Madha (Mary Major) from the Konankuppam shrine in the Archdiocese of Pondicherry–Cuddalore and Adaikala Madha from the Elakurichi shrine in the Diocese of Kumbakonam, the replica of Beschi’s wooden sandals and a copy of Thembavani, his monumental Tamil epic, all symbols of his lasting legacy.

Fr. Pascual Cebollada, SJ, serves as the postulator for the cause, with Fr. Maria Arul Raja, SJ, Fr. Michael Pugazhenthi, SJ, and Sr. Sailaja Akkinapalli, F.S.A.G., as co-postulators.

Participants received a prayer card for Beschi’s beatification, with the recommendation to recite it daily. A Tamil book titled Veeramamunivarin Arulvazhvum Thirupaniyum (The Life and Mission of Veeramamunivar), authored by co-postulator Fr. Maria Arul Raja, SJ, was released during the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fr. Arul Raja shared: “It was a profound faith experience to join the whole congregation in reciting together the special prayer for the beatification of Beschi.”

Following the Mass, the Chennai Jesuit Province hosted a fellowship meal for over 1,000 lay leaders, religious, and clergy from across Tamil Nadu, marking the occasion with joy and gratitude.