As the world welcomes Pope Leo XIV as the new Supreme Pontiff, many in India’s Augustinian communities fondly recall his visits to the country in 2004 and 2006. Then serving as the General of the Order of St. Augustine, he spent time with religious communities and faithful in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, leaving behind a legacy of humility, spiritual depth, and simplicity.
During his first visit in April 2004, he spent over a week at the Augustinian residences in Mariyapuram, Aluva (Archdiocese of Verapoly), and Edakochi (Diocese of Cochin), both in Kerala’s Ernakulam district. There, he celebrated Holy Mass at Mary Queen of Help of Christians Parish in Mariyapuram and St. Antony’s Shrine in Edakochi. On April 22, he concelebrated the ordination of six Augustinian deacons to the priesthood at St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Kathrikadavu, Kaloor, alongside the late Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil.
He returned in October 2006 to participate in the Asia-Pacific Meeting of the Order of St. Augustine, again residing at the Augustinian house in Mariyapuram from October 3 to 6. In addition to his duties, he celebrated Mass and made a pastoral visit to Shenbagam School in Pollachi (Diocese of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), and St. Thomas Parish, Thalapuzha, in the Archdiocese of Calicut, Kerala.
Those who accompanied him during these visits recall a man of exceptional humility. “He was incredibly simple, down-to-earth, and always willing to adapt,” said Fr. Jacob Mullassery, O.S.A. “He never asked for special treatment—he travelled in modest vehicles and stayed in rooms with basic amenities. His humility deeply touched all of us.”
Fr Metro Xavier, O.S.A., who had several personal encounters with Pope Leo XIV, described him as a man “profoundly rooted in prayer.” He added, “He spent long hours in silent Eucharistic Adoration and had a deep love for the Church and its Magisterium.”
Reacting to his election as Pope, Fr. Wilson Injerappu, O.S.A., Regional Vicar of the Augustinian Order in India, said, “We are filled with immense joy. To have an Augustinian as the Holy Father is a great blessing for us. It’s also a reminder of our duty to support him through our prayers and sacrifices.”
Pope Leo XIV’s Indian visits, marked by humility, prayer, and pastoral care, continue to inspire those who met him and bear testimony to the deeply spiritual nature of his leadership.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)