Blessed Alphonsa Bharananganam

Saint Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception (1910–1946), born Annakutty Muttathupadathu, was the first woman of Indian origin to be canonized by the Catholic Church and is revered as the first saint of the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic Church based in Kerala, India.

Born on August 19, 1910, in Kudamalur, Kerala, Alphonsa faced significant hardships from an early age. Her mother died when she was just a few months old, and she was subsequently raised by her maternal aunt, who was strict and opposed Alphonsa's desire to enter religious life. To avoid an arranged marriage and pursue her spiritual calling, Alphonsa reportedly inflicted a burn injury on herself, leading to permanent physical disability.

Despite her frail health, Alphonsa joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation in Bharananganam on August 2, 1928, taking the name Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception in honor of St. Alphonsus Liguori. She made her perpetual vows on August 12, 1936. Her life was marked by chronic illness and suffering, which she embraced as a means of spiritual purification and union with Christ. She once wrote, "I made my perpetual profession on the 12th of August 1936 and came here to Bharanganam on the following 14th. From that time, it seems, I was entrusted with a part of the cross of Christ. There are abundant occasions of suffering... I have a great desire to suffer with joy. It seems that my Spouse wishes to fulfil this desire".

Alphonsa passed away on July 28, 1946, at the age of 35. Her tomb in Bharananganam has become a pilgrimage site, with many faithful reporting miraculous healings attributed to her intercession. The miracle recognized for her canonization was the healing of a clubfoot in an infant in 1999.

She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on February 8, 1986, and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 12, 2008 . Her feast day is celebrated on July 28. Saint Alphonsa is remembered for her deep spirituality, humility, and acceptance of suffering, serving as an inspiration to many in India and around the world.