Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Oct 11: Blessed Alphonsa Church in Kankanady here will be be organising its annual festival on Sunday October 12, the day on which Pope Benedict 16 is scheduled to formally beatify Sr Alphonsa to the sainthood.
Sr Alphonsa is the first woman from the Indian origine to be conferred with this rare honour.
Sr Alphonsa had taken birth at Kudamallur, Kottayam district in Kerala on August 19, 1910. She joined the Clarist Fransican Convent in Bharanamganam in the year 1927, by opting to become a sister of the religious order. She suffered from various ailments all through her life but bravely faced them, showing exceptional perseverance and patience. On July 20, 1946, she left for the heavenly abode.
Pope John Paul II had proclaimed Sr Alphonsa as 'blessed' in 1986. She is being elevated to sainthood after a gap of 22 years thereafter.
The annual celebrations in Kankanady church were inaugurated with the hoisting of the flag on October 3. The nine-day novena prayer too was initiated on that occasion.
Holy eucharist and discourses will be held at 9 am on October 12, informed the priest of Alphonsa church, Fr Thomas Parekattil.