Saint Alphonsa of India

Biography

Saint Alphonsa of India, also known as Alphonsa Muttathupadathu, Alphonsa of Bharananganam, Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception, Anna Muttathupadathu, and Annakutty, was born on 19 August 1910 in Kudamalloor, Kerala, India. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Muttathupadathu and was baptized on 27 August 1910. Tragedy struck Anna at a young age when her mother passed away. She was then raised by her maternal aunt and received her education from her great-uncle, Father Joseph Muttathupadathu. At the tender age of three, Anna contracted an infected eczema, which caused her to suffer for over a year. Despite this, she made her first Holy Communion on 27 November 1917. Saint Alphonsa's life took a turn when she accidentally fell into a pit of burning chaff, causing severe burns on her feet. This incident left her permanently partially disabled. Despite her physical challenges, she joined the Poor Clare convent at Bharananganam on 2 August 1928 and took the name Alphonsa. She made her religious vows on 12 August 1936. During her time in the convent, Alphonsa experienced numerous health issues that often kept her from her work as a primary school teacher. However, the children adored her for her gentle nature and cheerful disposition. It was in December 1936 that Alphonsa experienced a miraculous cure from her ailments through the intercession of Saint Therese of Lisieux and Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. This miraculous healing further strengthened her faith. Sadly, Alphonsa lost her aunt and foster-mother in 1930, adding to her sorrows. Her health continued to deteriorate, and she was afflicted with severe pneumonia in June 1939, which further weakened her overall. Tragedy struck again on 18 October 1940 when a thief entered her room, causing Alphonsa to suffer memory loss. Her condition worsened over the following months, and she received the last rites on 29 September 1941. To the astonishment of many, the next day she regained her memory, although not her complete health. Over the next few years, Saint Alphonsa experienced some improvement in her health. However, in July 1945, she developed a stomach ailment that ultimately led to her death. She passed away on 28 July 1946, in Bharananganam, India, from natural causes. She was buried in the chapel connected with the cemetery of Saint Mary's church in Bharananganam, which has since become a significant place of pilgrimage. Saint Alphonsa was known for her silent suffering and deep spirituality. Her life of sacrifice and her experiences with illness made her a source of inspiration for many. Almost immediately after her death, numerous incidents of her intervention were reported, often involving miraculous cures, particularly related to clubbed-feet. This is possibly due to Alphonsa having lived with deformed feet herself. The continuing miraculous cures attributed to Saint Alphonsa's intercession are chronicled in the magazine PassionFlower. Every year, from 19 to 28 July, thousands of people gather in the small town of Bharananganam to celebrate the feast of Saint Alphonsa. In recognition of her holy life and the miracles attributed to her, Saint Alphonsa was declared a Servant of God, and her Cause for canonization began on 2 December 1953. She was later declared Venerable on 9 July 1985 by Pope John Paul II. Finally, on 8 February 1986, Pope John Paul II beatified her. Finally, she was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday, 12 October 2008. Saint Alphonsa of India is venerated as a patron saint against bodily ills, illness, sickness, the death of parents, and for the intercession for sick people. Her humble and faith-filled life continues to inspire and guide many believers in their own spiritual journeys.