Muttathupandathu, Alphonsa

From New World Encyclopedia
m
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{images OK}}
+
{{approved}}{{submitted}}{{ready}}{{images OK}}{{copyedited}}
 +
{{epname|Muttathupandathu, Alphonsa}}
 
{{Infobox Saint
 
{{Infobox Saint
−
|name=Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu or Sister Alphonsa or Alphonsa dell’Immacolata Concezione or Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception|birth_date={{birth date|1910|08|19|df=yes}}
+
|name=Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu|birth_date={{birth date|1910|08|19|mf=yes}}
−
|death_date= {{death date and age|1946|07|28|1910|08|19|df=yes}}
+
|death_date= {{death date and age|1946|07|28|1910|08|19|mf=yes}}
−
|feast_day=28 July
+
|feast_day=July 28  
 
|venerated_in=[[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]]
 
|venerated_in=[[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]]
−
|image=Alphonsama.jpg<!--Saint_Alphonsama_icon.jpg copyrighted—>
+
|image=St Alphonsa 5.jpg
−
|imagesize=200 px  
+
|imagesize=225 px  
−
|caption=[[Saint Alphonsa]]
+
|caption=<!--[[Saint Alphonsa]]—>
 
|birth_place=[[Kottayam district]], [[Kerala]], India
 
|birth_place=[[Kottayam district]], [[Kerala]], India
 
|death_place=[[Bharananganam]]
 
|death_place=[[Bharananganam]]
 
|titles=First Indian woman Christian [[Saint]]
 
|titles=First Indian woman Christian [[Saint]]
−
|beatified_date=8 February 1986
+
|beatified_date=February 8, 1986
 
|beatified_place=[[Kottayam]]
 
|beatified_place=[[Kottayam]]
 
|beatified_by=[[Pope John Paul II]]
 
|beatified_by=[[Pope John Paul II]]
−
|canonized_date=12 October 2008
+
|canonized_date=October 12, 2008
 
|canonized_place= [[Vatican City]]
 
|canonized_place= [[Vatican City]]
 
|canonized_by=[[Pope Benedict XVI]]
 
|canonized_by=[[Pope Benedict XVI]]
Line 25: Line 26:
 
|prayer_attrib=
 
|prayer_attrib=
 
}}
 
}}
−
''' Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu''' ([[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]: അല്ഫോന്‍സാ മുട്ടത്തുപാടത്ത്; Alphonsa dell’Immacolata Concezione; 19 August 1910 – 28 July 1946) is a [[Roman Catholicism|Catholic]] [[Saint]], the second person of [[Demographics of India|Indian]] origin to be [[Canonization|canonized]] as a saint by the Church and the first canonized saint of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Church]], an Eastern Catholic Church.  
+
''' Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu''' ([[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]: അല്ഫോന്‍സാ മുട്ടത്തുപാടത്ത്; Alphonsa dell’Immacolata Concezione) (August 19, 1910–July 28, 1946) is a [[Roman Catholicism|Catholic]] [[Saint]], the second person of [[Demographics of India|Indian]] origin to be [[Canonization|canonized]] as a saint by the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the first Indian woman canonized, and the first canonized saint of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Church]], an Eastern Catholic Church. Alphonsamma, as she was locally known, had a poor and difficult childhood, experiencing early loss and suffering. She joined the [[Franciscan Clarist Congregation]] and, after completing her schooling, took her vows to the order in 1936. She taught school for years, plagued by illness throughout most her teaching career.
−
 
+
{{toc}}
−
''Alphonsamma'', as she was locally known, had a poor, difficult childhood and experienced early loss and suffering. She joined the [[Franciscan Clarist Congregation]], and through them completed schooling and made her permanent vows in 1936. She taught school for years but was plagued by illness.
+
Claims of her intervention began almost immediately upon her death, and often involved the children in the convent school where she had taught. The case for Sister Alphonsa's canonization began on December 2, 1953 in the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Palai]] where she was declared a [[Servant of God]]. [[Pope John Paul II]] declared her [[Venerable]] on July 9, 1985, and her [[beatification]] at Kottayam on February 8, 1986. On Sunday, October 12, 2008, [[Pope Benedict XVI]] announced her [[canonization]] at a ceremony at [[St Peter's Square]]. Hundreds of miraculous cures are claimed by her intervention, many of them involving straightening of clubbed feet, possibly because of her having lived with deformed feet herself. Two of those cases were submitted to the [[Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] as proof of her miraculous intervention.  
−
 
 
−
Claims of her intervention began almost immediately upon her death, and often involved the children in the convent school where she had taught. The cause of Sister Alphonsa began on 2 December 1953 in the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Palai]] and she was declared a [[Servant of God]]. She was declared [[Venerable]] on 9 July 1985 by [[Pope John Paul II]]. Her [[beatification]] was declared 8 February 1986 by Pope John Paul II at Kottayam.
 
−
 
 
−
Hundreds of miraculous cures are claimed for her intervention, many of them involving straightening of clubbed feet, possibly because of her having lived with deformed feet herself. Two of these cases were submitted to the [[Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] as proof of her miraculous intervention. The continuing cures are chronicled in the magazine ''PassionFlower''.<ref name="sqpn1">{{cite web |url=http://saints.sqpn.com/sainta1g.htm |title=Patron Saints Index |publisher= SQPN }}</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
On Sunday, 12 October 2008, [[Pope Benedict XVI]] announced her [[canonization]] at a ceremony at [[St Peter's Square]].<ref name="sqpn1"/><ref> [http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jO7Y6-1CXFDrks9t5IhaaVIQ5a6w Indian Catholics cheer their first woman saint] </ref>
 
  
 
==Early life==
 
==Early life==
−
She was born as Annakkutty (little Anna) in Kudamaloor, a village in [[Kottayam district]], [[Kerala]], India, to Joseph and Mary Muttathupadathu. She was baptized on 27 August 1910 at Saint Mary's Church in [[Kudamaloor]] under the patronage of [[Saint Anna]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://saints.sqpn.com/sainta1g.htm |title=Patron Saints Index |publisher=SQPN }}</ref> Anna's mother died when she was young, so her maternal aunt raised her. Anna was educated by her great-uncle, Father Joseph Muttathupadathu. When Anna was three years old, she contracted [[eczema]] and suffered for over a year.<ref name="sqpn1"/>
+
Born as Annakkutty (that is, "little Anna") in Kudamaloor, a village in [[Kottayam district]], [[Kerala]], India, to Joseph and Mary Muttathupadathu, she was baptized on August 27, 1910, at Saint Mary's Church in [[Kudamaloor]] under the patronage of [[Saint Anna]].<ref name=sqpn>SQPN, [https://catholicsaints.info/saint-alphonsa-of-india/ Saint Alphonsa of India] ''CatholicSaints.Info''. Retrieved July 24, 2021.</ref> Anna's mother died when she was young, her maternal aunt raising her. Anna's great-uncle, Father Joseph Muttathupadathu, educated by her. When three years old, Anna contracted [[eczema]] and suffered for over a year.<ref name=sqpn/>
  
−
In 1916 Anna started her schooling in [[Arpookara]]. She received [[First Communion]] on 27 November 1917. In 1918 she was transferred to the school in Muttuchira. In 1923 Anna was badly burned on her feet when she fell into a pit of burning chaff. This accident left her permanently disabled.
+
In 1916, Anna started her schooling in [[Arpookara]]. She received [[First Communion]] on 27 November 1917. In 1918, she transferred to the school in Muttuchira. In 1923, Anna badly burned her feet when she fell into a pit of burning chaff. That accident left her permanently disabled. When it became possible, Anna joined the [[Franciscan Clarist Congregation]].<ref name=vatican>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1986/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19860208_stadio-kattayam.html Beatification of Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Alfonsa Muttathupandathu] ''Vatican''. Retrieved July 24, 2021.</ref> She entered [[Poor Clares]] convent in [[Bharananganam]] on [[Pentecost]] 1927. She received the [[postulant]]'s veil on August 2, 1928 and took the name ''Alphonsa''. In May 1929, she entered the Malayalam High School at Vazhappally. Her foster mother died in 1930.
  
−
When it became possible, Anna joined the [[Franciscan Clarist Congregation]].<ref name="vatican">{{cite web |url=http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/1986/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19860208_stadio-kattayam_en.html |title=Beatification of Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Alfonsa Muttathupandathu |publisher=Vatican }}</ref>  She arrived at the [[Poor Clares]] convent at [[Bharananganam]] on [[Pentecost]] 1927. She received the [[postulant]]'s veil on 2 August 1928 and took the name ''Alphonsa''. In May 1929 she entered the Malayalam High School at Vazhappally. Her foster mother died in 1930.
+
On May 19, 1930 she received her religious habit at Bharananganam. Three days later she resumed her studies at [[Changanacherry]], while working as a temporary teacher at the school at [[Vakakkad]]. On August 11, 1931 she joined the [[novitiate]]. Anna took her permanent vows on August 12, 1936. Two days later she returned to Bharananganam from Changanacherry. She taught elementary school, but was often sick and unable to teach.<ref name="sqpn"/>
  
−
On 19 May 1930 she received her religious habit at Bharananganam. Three days later she resumed her studies at [[Changanacherry]], while working as a temporary teacher at the school at [[Vakakkad]]. On 11 August 1931 she joined the [[novitiate]]. Anna took her permanent vows on 12 August 1936. Two days later she returned to Bharananganam from Changanacherry.
+
==Declining health==
 +
In December 1936, she was reportedly cured from her ailments through the intervention of Blessed [[Kuriakose Elias Chavara]]. However, on June 14, 1939, she was struck with a severe attack of [[pneumonia|pneumonia]], leaving her weakened. On October 18, 1940, a thief entered her room in the middle of the night. This traumatic event caused her to suffer [[amnesia]] and weakened her further.  
  
−
She taught elementary school, but was often sick and unable to teach.<ref name="sqpn1"/>
+
Her health continued to deteriorate over a period of  months. She received [[extreme unction]] on September 29, 1941. The next day she regained her mental clarity, though still weakened. Her health improved over the next few years until in July 1945, she developed a stomach problem that caused vomiting.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/2008/ns_lit_doc_20081012_alfonsa_en.html Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception (1910-1946)] ''Vatican''. Retrieved July 24, 2021. </ref>
  
−
==Health declines==
+
==Death and burial==
−
In December 1936 she was reportedly cured from her ailments through the intervention of Blessed [[Kuriakose Elias Chavara]], but on 14 June 1939 she was struck by a severe attack of [[pneumonia|pneumonia]], which left her weakened. On 18 October 1940, a thief entered her room in the middle of the night. This traumatic event caused her to suffer amnesia and weakened her again.
+
[[File:Saint Alphonsa's tomb.jpg|thumb|400px|Tomb of St Alphonsa]]
 +
She died on July 28, 1946, aged 35. She is buried at [[Bharananganam]], [[South India]], in the Diocese of [[Palai]]. Her tomb in Bharananganam has become a [[pilgrimage]] site as miracles have been reported by the faithful. The miracle attributed to her intercession and approved by the Vatican for the canonization was the healing of the [[club foot]] of an infant in 1999.<ref>M.G. Radhakrishnan, [https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/20081027-gods-chosen-one-737975-2008-10-17 God's chosen one] ''India Today'', October 17, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2021.</ref>
  
−
Her health continued to deteriorate over a period of  months. She received [[extreme unction]] on 29 September, 1941. The next day it is believed that she regained her memory, though not complete health. Her health improved over the next few years, until in July 1945 she developed a stomach problem that caused vomiting.<ref>Malayala Manorama ''News articles about Sister Alphonsa'', Kottayam, March 2, 2008 </ref>
+
==Beatification==
 +
On December 2, 1953, [[Eugène-Gabriel-Gervais-Laurent Tisserant|Eugène-Gabriel-Gervais-Laurent Cardinal Tisserant]] inaugurated the diocesan process for her beatification. [[Pope John Paul II]] formally approved a miracle attributed to her intercession and Alphonsa was declared ''[[Servant of God]]'' on July 9, 1985. She was then known as Venerable Sister Alphonsa. She was beatified along with [[Kuriakose Elias Chavara]] at Kottayam.
  
−
==Death==
+
During the Apostolic Pilgrimage to India of [[Pope John Paul II]], the pope said as part of his speech at [[Nehru Stadium]], [[Kottayam]]on February 8, 1986:
−
She died on 28 July 1946, aged 35. She is buried at [[Bharananganam]], [[South India]], in the Diocese of [[Palai]].
+
<blockquote>From early in her life, Sister Alphonsa experienced great suffering. With the passing of the years, the heavenly Father gave her an ever fuller share in the Passion of his beloved Son. We recall how she experienced not only physical pain of great intensity, but also the spiritual suffering of being misunderstood and misjudged by others. But she constantly accepted all her sufferings with serenity and trust in God, being firmly convinced that they would purify her motives, help her to overcome all selfishness, and unite her more closely with her beloved divine Spouse.  
  
−
Her tomb in Bharananganam has become a pilgrimage site as miracles have been reported by some faithful.<ref name="hindu1">{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200802261751.htm  |title=Sister Alphonsa's canonisation date to be decided on March 1  |publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> The miracle attributed to her intercession and approved by the Vatican for the canonization was the healing of the [[club foot]] of an infant in 1999.<ref name="manoramaonline1">{{cite web|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?programId=1073753693&contentId=2512288&contentType=EDITORIAL&articleType=Malayalam%20News&BV_ID=@@@| title=Malayala Manorama News Story, March 7, 2008|publisher=Malayala Manorama}}</ref><ref name="hinduonnet1">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/09/02/stories/2007090250100500.htm | title= A life of suffering, Sep 02, 2007|publisher=The Hindu}}</ref>
 
  
−
==Beatification==
+
She wrote to her spiritual director: "Dear Father, as my good Lord Jesus loves me so very much, I sincerely desire to remain on this sick bed and suffer not only this, but anything else besides, even to the end of the world. I feel now that God has intended my life to be an oblation, a sacrifice of suffering" (20 November 1944). She came to love suffering because she loved the suffering Christ. She learned to love the Cross through her love of the crucified Lord.<ref>[http://www.saintalphonsamma.org/Pope_John_Paul_II.html Beatification speech of Pope John Paul II] ''Saint Alphonsa''. Retrieved July 24, 2021.</ref></blockquote>
−
{{Indian christianity}}
 
−
<!--[[Image:Alphonsastamp.jpg|thumb|left|A commemorative postage stamp was released as an honour to Sister Alphonsa on the 50th anniversary of her death.]] copyrighted image removed—>
 
−
On 2 December 1953, [[Eugène-Gabriel-Gervais-Laurent Tisserant|Eugène-Gabriel-Gervais-Laurent Cardinal Tisserant]] inaugurated the diocesan process for her beatification. [[Pope John Paul II]] formally approved a miracle attributed to her intercession and Alphonsa was declared ''[[Servant of God]]'' on 9 July 1985. She was then known as Venerable Sister Alphonsa. She was beatified along with [[Kuriakose Elias Chavara]] at Kottayam.
 
  
−
During the Apostolic Pilgrimage to India of [[Pope John Paul II]] , the pope said as part of his speech at [[Nehru Stadium]], [[Kottayam]]on 8 February 1986:
+
==Canonization==
 +
{{readout||right|250px|Alphonsa Muttathupadathu is the first woman of [[India]]n origin to be canonized as a [[saint]] in the [[Roman Catholic]] church}}
 +
Pope Benedict cleared Sister Alphonsa's name for [[canonization]] on June 1, 2007, a process begun fifty five years before. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1986 in Kottayam, forty years after her death, in recognition of the numerous miracles associated with her. The continuing cures are chronicled in the magazine ''PassionFlower''.<ref name=sqpn/>
  
−
<blockquote> "From early in her life, Sister Alphonsa experienced great suffering. With the passing of the years, the heavenly Father gave her an ever fuller share in the Passion of his beloved Son. We recall how she experienced not only physical pain of great intensity, but also the spiritual suffering of being misunderstood and misjudged by others. But she constantly accepted all her sufferings with serenity and trust in God, being firmly convinced that they would purify her motives, help her to overcome all selfishness, and unite her more closely with her beloved divine Spouse. She wrote to her spiritual director: "Dear Father, as my good Lord Jesus loves me so very much, I sincerely desire to remain on this sick bed and suffer not only this, but anything else besides, even to the end of the world. I feel now that God has intended my life to be an oblation, a sacrifice of suffering" (20 November 1944). She came to love suffering because she loved the suffering Christ. She learned to love the Cross through her love of the crucified Lord."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alphonsa.com/Content-13/BEATIFICATION.html| title=Beatification speech of Pope John Paul II |publisher= Alphonsa site}}</ref></blockquote>
+
The  miracle attributed to her intercession and approved by the Vatican for the canonization was the healing of the [[club foot]] of an infant in 1999.<ref>[https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=6993 St. Alphonsa] ''Catholic Online''. Retrieved July 24, 2021.</ref>
  
−
==Canonisation==
+
Pope Benedict XVI elevated her to sainthood on October 12, 2008.<ref>[https://www.ncronline.org/news/indian-catholics-cheer-their-new-saint Indian Catholics cheer their new saint] ''National Catholic Reporter, October 13, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2021.</ref>
−
[[Image:Crowd_alphonsa_palai.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Thousands of people of Indian origin primarily from the [[Syro Malabar Church]] gathered at St. Peters Square to attend the Canonisation]]
 
−
Pope Benedict cleared Sister Alphonsa's name for canonisation on 1 June 2007, a process that was started 55 years ago. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1986 in Kottayam, 40 years after her death, in recognition of the numerous miracles associated with her.
 
  
−
The miracle attributed to her intercession and approved by the Vatican for the canonization was the healing of the [[club foot]] of an infant in 1999.<ref name="manoramaonline1"/><ref name="hinduonnet1"/>
+
The final ceremony for the canonization began on October 12, 2008 with the holy relics of Alphonsa being presented to the Pope by Sister Celia, Mother General of the [[Franciscan Clarist Congregation]], the congregation to which Sister Alphonsa belonged.<ref name=sqpn/> Celia was accompanied by Vice Postulator Father Francis Vadakkel and former Kerala minister K. M. Mani, all holding lit candles. Speaking in English, the Pope declared Sister Alphonsa a saint, after reading excerpts from the Holy Bible. The Pope himself read out the biography of Alphonsa after the ceremony.<ref> K.V. Thomas, [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/sister-alphonsa-becomes-india-s-first-woman-saint/story-w3BabpxZPwztET8ryyFAFK.html Sister Alphonsa becomes India's first woman saint] ''Hindustani Times'', October 12, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2021. </ref>
−
She was elevated to sainthood on 12 October 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080068465&ch=10/12/2008%201:51:00%20PM | title= Kerala nun Sister Alphonsa is now Saint Alphonsa, Oct 12, 2008|publisher=ndtv.com}}</ref><ref name="manoramaonline1"/><ref name="hinduonnet1"/>
 
−
The final ceremony for the canonisation began on 12th October 2008 with the holy relics of Alphonsa being presented to the Pope by Sister Celia, Mother General of the [[Franciscan Clarist Congregation]], the congregation to which Sister Alphonsa belonged. Celia was accompanied by Vice Postulator Father Francis Vadakkel and former Kerala minister K. M. Mani, all holding lit candles. Speaking in English, the Pope declared Sister Alphonsa a saint, after reading excerpts from the Holy Bible. The Pope himself read out the biography of Alphonsa after the ceremony.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Sister_Alphonsa_becomes_Indias_first_woman_saint/articleshow/3586924.cms| title= Sister Alphonsa becomes India's first woman saint |publisher=The Times of India}}</ref>
 
  
 
In the homily, Pope Benedict recalled Saint Alphonsa's life as one of "extreme physical and spiritual suffering."
 
In the homily, Pope Benedict recalled Saint Alphonsa's life as one of "extreme physical and spiritual suffering."
 +
<blockquote>This exceptional woman … was convinced that her cross was the very means of reaching the heavenly banquet prepared for her by the Father. By accepting the invitation to the wedding feast, and by adorning herself with the garment of God's grace through prayer and penance, she conformed her life to Christ's and now delights in the 'rich fare and choice wines' of the heavenly kingdom. … (Her) heroic virtues of patience, fortitude and perseverance in the midst of deep suffering remind us that [[God]] always provides the strength we need to overcome every trial," the pope stated before the ceremony ended.<ref name=vatican/></blockquote>
  
−
<blockquote>  "This exceptional woman ... was convinced that her cross was the very means of reaching the heavenly banquet prepared for her by the Father," the pope stated. "By accepting the invitation to the wedding feast, and by adorning herself with the garment of God's grace through prayer and penance, she conformed her life to Christ's and now delights in the 'rich fare and choice wines' of the heavenly kingdom." </blockquote>
+
[[Pope Benedict]] also called for an end to a recent deadly wave of anti-Christian violence: "I urge the perpetrators of violence to renounce these acts and join with their brothers and sisters to work together in building a civilisation of love"<ref>[https://www.france24.com/en/20081012-pope-canonises-indias-first-female-saint-india Pope canonises India's first female saint] ''France24'', October 12, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2021.</ref>
−
 
 
−
"(Her) heroic virtues of patience, fortitude and perseverance in the midst of deep suffering remind us that [[God]] always provides the strength we need to overcome every trial," the pope stated before the ceremony ended.<ref name="vatican"/>
 
−
 
 
−
[[Pope Benedict]] also invited people "to pray for reconciliation and peace for some situations that that are causing alarm and great suffering," specifically citing the civil war situation in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and "the violence against Christians in Iraq and India." .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucanews.com/2008/10/13/pope-canonizes-indias-first-woman-saint-calls-for-end-to-violence/| title= Pope Canonizes India's First Woman Saint, Calls For End To Violence|publisher=UCAN}}</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
The ceremony was attended by around 25,000 people of Indian origin - many waving Indian flags - as well as a large delegation from India. A 15-member official Indian delegation, led by Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes, attended the ceremony.
 
−
 
 
−
Even as Sr. Alphonsa was raised to the realm of saints by the Vatican on Sunday, the Catholic Church in Kerala celebrated the canonisation of the first Indian saint from an Indian Rite. Across the State, church bells tolled as [[Pope Benedict XVI]] named her St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception.
 
  
−
The cemetery where the Franciscan Clarist nun was buried 62 years ago at St Mary’s Forane Church at [[Bharananganam]] has now been turned into the chapel which houses her mortal remains. The canonisation was greeted with the bursting of firecrackers and the toll of church bells. St Mary’s Forane church at [[Kudmaloor]], the parent parish of the saint, also celebrated a special Mass.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/13/stories/2008101356541300.htm| title= Catholic Church celebrates Alphonsa’s canonisation |publisher=The Hindu}}</ref>
+
The ceremony was attended by around 25,000 people of Indian origin, many waving Indian flags, as well as a large delegation from India. A fifteen member official Indian delegation, led by Labor Minister Oscar Fernandes, attended the ceremony. Even as Sr. Alphonsa was raised to the realm of saints by the Vatican on Sunday, the Catholic Church in Kerala celebrated the canonization of the first Indian saint from an Indian Rite. Across the State, church bells tolled as [[Pope Benedict XVI]] named her St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception.
  
−
==Feast==
+
The cemetery where the Franciscan Clarist nun was buried sixty two years ago at St Mary’s Forane Church at [[Bharananganam]] has now been turned into the chapel which houses her mortal remains. Fireworks and the toll of church bells greeted the canonization. St Mary’s Forane church at [[Kudmaloor]], the parent parish of the saint, also celebrated a special Mass. Thousands converge on the small town of Bharananganam when they celebrate the feast of Saint Alphonsa from July 19-28 each year. Her tomb has become a [[pilgrimage]] site with miracles reported by devotees.
−
Thousands converge on the small town of [[Bharananganam]] when they celebrate the feast of Saint Alphonsa from 19 to 28 July each year; her tomb is becoming a pilgrimage site these days as miracles are reported by some devotees.<ref name="hindu1"/>
 
−
 
 
−
==See also==
 
−
* [[Syro Malabar Church]]
 
−
* [[Carmelites of Mary Immaculate]]
 
−
* [[Saint Thomas Christians]]
 
−
* [[Roman Catholicism in India]]
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
−
All external links in footnotes retrieved November 17, 2008.
+
<references/>
−
<br>
 
−
{{reflist}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
 
+
* Cākkō, Ke. Si. ''Sister Alphonsa.'' Trivandrum, India: Alphonsa Publishers,  1949. {{OCLC|9444764}}
−
* Cākkō, Ke. Si. 1949. Sister Alphonsa. Trivandrum, India: Alphonsa Publishers. OCLC 9444764.
+
* Cākkō, Ke. Si. ''The Spirituality of Blessed Alphonsa.'' [Ernakulam?]: Franciscan Clarist Congregation, 1986. {{OCLC|26549652}}
−
* Cākkō, Ke. Si. 1986. The spirituality of Blessed Alphonsa. [Ernakulam?]: Franciscan Clarist Congregation. OCLC 26549652.
+
* Dempsey, Corinne G. ''Kerala Christian Sainthood: Collisions of Culture and Worldview in South India.'' Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN 9780195130287.
−
* Dempsey, Corinne G. 2001. Kerala Christian sainthood: collisions of culture and worldview in South India. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195130287.
+
* Minattur, Joseph. ''Flame and Flower.'' Bharananganam, India: The Vice Postulator, 1963. {{OCLC|18897910}}
−
* Minattur, Joseph. 1963. Flame and Flower. Bharananganam, India: The Vice Postulator. OCLC 18897910.
+
* Muṇṭaykkal, Ṭi. Ṭi. ''Alphōnsāmma katha par̲aññāl: jīvacaritr̲aṃ.'' Kochi: Janatha Services, 1992. {{OCLC|34113647}}
−
* Muṇṭaykkal, Ṭi. Ṭi. 1992. Alphōnsāmma katha par̲aññāl: jīvacaritr̲aṃ. Kochi: Janatha Services. OCLC 34113647.
+
* Zachariah, K.C. ''The Syrian Christians of Kerala: Demographic and Socio-Economic Transition in the Twentieth Century.'' New Delhi: Orient Longman, 2006. ISBN 9788125030096.
−
* Zachariah, K. C. 2006. The Syrian Christians of Kerala: demographic and socio-economic transition in the twentieth century. New Delhi: Orient Longman. ISBN 9788125030096.
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
−
All links Retrieved November 17, 2008.
+
All links retrieved December 22, 2022.
−
<br>
 
−
* {{official|http://www.alphonsa.net}}
 
−
* [http://www.alphonsamma.com/index.html  Photographs associated with Blessed Alphonsa]
 
−
* [http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainta1g.htm Alphonsa of India] at Patron Saint Index
 
−
* [http://www.alphonsamma.com/index.html Shrine of Saint Alphonsa]
 
 
* [http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/1986/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19860208_stadio-kattayam_en.html Pope John Paul II On Blessed Alphonsa of India]
 
* [http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/1986/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19860208_stadio-kattayam_en.html Pope John Paul II On Blessed Alphonsa of India]
−
* [http://www.dailylight.wordpress.com/2008/10/13/saint-alphonsa/ Exegesis on her life and good links]
 
  
 
[[Category:Biography]]
 
[[Category:Biography]]

Latest revision as of 19:04, 22 December 2022

Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu
St Alphonsa 5.jpg

First Indian woman Christian Saint
Born August 19 1910(1910-08-19) in Kottayam district, Kerala, India
Died July 28 1946 (aged 35) in Bharananganam
Venerated in Catholic Church
Beatified February 8, 1986, Kottayam

by Pope John Paul II

Canonized October 12, 2008, Vatican City

by Pope Benedict XVI

Major shrine Saint Alphonsama Church, Bharananganam, Kerala, India.
Feast July 28
Patronage against illness

Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu (Malayalam: അല്ഫോന്‍സാ മുട്ടത്തുപാടത്ത്; Alphonsa dell’Immacolata Concezione) (August 19, 1910–July 28, 1946) is a Catholic Saint, the second person of Indian origin to be canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, the first Indian woman canonized, and the first canonized saint of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church. Alphonsamma, as she was locally known, had a poor and difficult childhood, experiencing early loss and suffering. She joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation and, after completing her schooling, took her vows to the order in 1936. She taught school for years, plagued by illness throughout most her teaching career.

Claims of her intervention began almost immediately upon her death, and often involved the children in the convent school where she had taught. The case for Sister Alphonsa's canonization began on December 2, 1953 in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Palai where she was declared a Servant of God. Pope John Paul II declared her Venerable on July 9, 1985, and her beatification at Kottayam on February 8, 1986. On Sunday, October 12, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI announced her canonization at a ceremony at St Peter's Square. Hundreds of miraculous cures are claimed by her intervention, many of them involving straightening of clubbed feet, possibly because of her having lived with deformed feet herself. Two of those cases were submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints as proof of her miraculous intervention.

Early life

Born as Annakkutty (that is, "little Anna") in Kudamaloor, a village in Kottayam district, Kerala, India, to Joseph and Mary Muttathupadathu, she was baptized on August 27, 1910, at Saint Mary's Church in Kudamaloor under the patronage of Saint Anna.[1] Anna's mother died when she was young, her maternal aunt raising her. Anna's great-uncle, Father Joseph Muttathupadathu, educated by her. When three years old, Anna contracted eczema and suffered for over a year.[1]

In 1916, Anna started her schooling in Arpookara. She received First Communion on 27 November 1917. In 1918, she transferred to the school in Muttuchira. In 1923, Anna badly burned her feet when she fell into a pit of burning chaff. That accident left her permanently disabled. When it became possible, Anna joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation.[2] She entered Poor Clares convent in Bharananganam on Pentecost 1927. She received the postulant's veil on August 2, 1928 and took the name Alphonsa. In May 1929, she entered the Malayalam High School at Vazhappally. Her foster mother died in 1930.

On May 19, 1930 she received her religious habit at Bharananganam. Three days later she resumed her studies at Changanacherry, while working as a temporary teacher at the school at Vakakkad. On August 11, 1931 she joined the novitiate. Anna took her permanent vows on August 12, 1936. Two days later she returned to Bharananganam from Changanacherry. She taught elementary school, but was often sick and unable to teach.[1]

Declining health

In December 1936, she was reportedly cured from her ailments through the intervention of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. However, on June 14, 1939, she was struck with a severe attack of pneumonia, leaving her weakened. On October 18, 1940, a thief entered her room in the middle of the night. This traumatic event caused her to suffer amnesia and weakened her further.

Her health continued to deteriorate over a period of months. She received extreme unction on September 29, 1941. The next day she regained her mental clarity, though still weakened. Her health improved over the next few years until in July 1945, she developed a stomach problem that caused vomiting.[3]

Death and burial

Tomb of St Alphonsa

She died on July 28, 1946, aged 35. She is buried at Bharananganam, South India, in the Diocese of Palai. Her tomb in Bharananganam has become a pilgrimage site as miracles have been reported by the faithful. The miracle attributed to her intercession and approved by the Vatican for the canonization was the healing of the club foot of an infant in 1999.[4]

Beatification

On December 2, 1953, Eugène-Gabriel-Gervais-Laurent Cardinal Tisserant inaugurated the diocesan process for her beatification. Pope John Paul II formally approved a miracle attributed to her intercession and Alphonsa was declared Servant of God on July 9, 1985. She was then known as Venerable Sister Alphonsa. She was beatified along with Kuriakose Elias Chavara at Kottayam.

During the Apostolic Pilgrimage to India of Pope John Paul II, the pope said as part of his speech at Nehru Stadium, Kottayamon February 8, 1986:

From early in her life, Sister Alphonsa experienced great suffering. With the passing of the years, the heavenly Father gave her an ever fuller share in the Passion of his beloved Son. We recall how she experienced not only physical pain of great intensity, but also the spiritual suffering of being misunderstood and misjudged by others. But she constantly accepted all her sufferings with serenity and trust in God, being firmly convinced that they would purify her motives, help her to overcome all selfishness, and unite her more closely with her beloved divine Spouse.


She wrote to her spiritual director: "Dear Father, as my good Lord Jesus loves me so very much, I sincerely desire to remain on this sick bed and suffer not only this, but anything else besides, even to the end of the world. I feel now that God has intended my life to be an oblation, a sacrifice of suffering" (20 November 1944). She came to love suffering because she loved the suffering Christ. She learned to love the Cross through her love of the crucified Lord.[5]

Canonization

Did you know?
Alphonsa Muttathupadathu is the first woman of Indian origin to be canonized as a saint in the Roman Catholic church

Pope Benedict cleared Sister Alphonsa's name for canonization on June 1, 2007, a process begun fifty five years before. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1986 in Kottayam, forty years after her death, in recognition of the numerous miracles associated with her. The continuing cures are chronicled in the magazine PassionFlower.[1]

The miracle attributed to her intercession and approved by the Vatican for the canonization was the healing of the club foot of an infant in 1999.[6]

Pope Benedict XVI elevated her to sainthood on October 12, 2008.[7]

The final ceremony for the canonization began on October 12, 2008 with the holy relics of Alphonsa being presented to the Pope by Sister Celia, Mother General of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, the congregation to which Sister Alphonsa belonged.[1] Celia was accompanied by Vice Postulator Father Francis Vadakkel and former Kerala minister K. M. Mani, all holding lit candles. Speaking in English, the Pope declared Sister Alphonsa a saint, after reading excerpts from the Holy Bible. The Pope himself read out the biography of Alphonsa after the ceremony.[8]

In the homily, Pope Benedict recalled Saint Alphonsa's life as one of "extreme physical and spiritual suffering."

This exceptional woman … was convinced that her cross was the very means of reaching the heavenly banquet prepared for her by the Father. By accepting the invitation to the wedding feast, and by adorning herself with the garment of God's grace through prayer and penance, she conformed her life to Christ's and now delights in the 'rich fare and choice wines' of the heavenly kingdom. … (Her) heroic virtues of patience, fortitude and perseverance in the midst of deep suffering remind us that God always provides the strength we need to overcome every trial," the pope stated before the ceremony ended.[2]

Pope Benedict also called for an end to a recent deadly wave of anti-Christian violence: "I urge the perpetrators of violence to renounce these acts and join with their brothers and sisters to work together in building a civilisation of love"[9]

The ceremony was attended by around 25,000 people of Indian origin, many waving Indian flags, as well as a large delegation from India. A fifteen member official Indian delegation, led by Labor Minister Oscar Fernandes, attended the ceremony. Even as Sr. Alphonsa was raised to the realm of saints by the Vatican on Sunday, the Catholic Church in Kerala celebrated the canonization of the first Indian saint from an Indian Rite. Across the State, church bells tolled as Pope Benedict XVI named her St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception.

The cemetery where the Franciscan Clarist nun was buried sixty two years ago at St Mary’s Forane Church at Bharananganam has now been turned into the chapel which houses her mortal remains. Fireworks and the toll of church bells greeted the canonization. St Mary’s Forane church at Kudmaloor, the parent parish of the saint, also celebrated a special Mass. Thousands converge on the small town of Bharananganam when they celebrate the feast of Saint Alphonsa from July 19-28 each year. Her tomb has become a pilgrimage site with miracles reported by devotees.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 SQPN, Saint Alphonsa of India CatholicSaints.Info. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Beatification of Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Alfonsa Muttathupandathu Vatican. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  3. ↑ Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception (1910-1946) Vatican. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  4. ↑ M.G. Radhakrishnan, God's chosen one India Today, October 17, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  5. ↑ Beatification speech of Pope John Paul II Saint Alphonsa. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  6. ↑ St. Alphonsa Catholic Online. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  7. ↑ Indian Catholics cheer their new saint National Catholic Reporter, October 13, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  8. ↑ K.V. Thomas, Sister Alphonsa becomes India's first woman saint Hindustani Times, October 12, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  9. ↑ Pope canonises India's first female saint France24, October 12, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2021.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Cākkō, Ke. Si. Sister Alphonsa. Trivandrum, India: Alphonsa Publishers, 1949. OCLC 9444764
  • Cākkō, Ke. Si. The Spirituality of Blessed Alphonsa. [Ernakulam?]: Franciscan Clarist Congregation, 1986. OCLC 26549652
  • Dempsey, Corinne G. Kerala Christian Sainthood: Collisions of Culture and Worldview in South India. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN 9780195130287.
  • Minattur, Joseph. Flame and Flower. Bharananganam, India: The Vice Postulator, 1963. OCLC 18897910
  • Muṇṭaykkal, Ṭi. Ṭi. Alphōnsāmma katha par̲aññāl: jīvacaritr̲aṃ. Kochi: Janatha Services, 1992. OCLC 34113647
  • Zachariah, K.C. The Syrian Christians of Kerala: Demographic and Socio-Economic Transition in the Twentieth Century. New Delhi: Orient Longman, 2006. ISBN 9788125030096.

External links

All links retrieved December 22, 2022.

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Saint_Alphonsa_Muttathupadathu&oldid=1092470

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki