Saint Alphonsa who lived as an unknown simple clarist nun within the four walls of the Franciscan Clarist convent at Bharananganam, in the state of Kerala, is now known all over the world. Her extraordinary power of intercession before her beloved Spouse Lord Jesus Christ, made her dear to everyone. Thousands of people from all walks of life irrespective of caste, creed, religion or country flow to the tomb of the saint to pray for their various needs and to pay homage and gratitude for the innumerable favours they received.
Prayer of St. Alphonsa
O Lord Jesus, hide me in the wound of your sacred heart. Free me from my desire to be loved and esteemed. Guard me from my evil attempts to win fame and honour. Make me humble till I become a small spark in the flame of love in your Sacred Heart. Grant me the grace to forget myself and all worldly things. Jesus, sweet beyond words, convert all worldly consolations into bitterness for me. O my Jesus, Sun of Justice, enlighten my intellect and mind with your sacred rays. Purify my heart, consume me with burning love for you, and make me one with you.
Life of St. Alphonsa
St. Alponsa was born on 19th August 1910 as the fourth child of Joseph and Mary Muttathupadath, in the parish of Kudamaloor in the state of Kerala. She was baptized on the 27th of August. Her baptismal name was Anna and her pet name Annakutty. Her mother passed away three months after her birth.
Annakutty started her schooling at Arpookara and left for Muttuchira Govt. School for pursuing her studies from the fourth class onwards under the immediate supervision of her maternal aunt Annamma Muricken. The aunt brought her up extremely affectionately, but equally strictly also. Her one ambition was that the child should be brought up as a respectable housewife for a deserving bridegroom. Annakutty had a vision of St. Theresa of Lisieux whose life inspired her to become a religious. She therefore did not yield to any marriage proposal. Finally, when she was almost compelled to be betrothed to the church, she extricated herself from it by voluntarily burning her foot placing it in an ash pit of burning husks. Against such determined resistance, the aunt succumbed to her desire and permitted her to join a convent.
Annakutty joined the Clarist convent at Bharananganam in 1927 on the feast of Pentecost. She received the veil postulant on the second of August 1928 with the name Alphonsa. Her vestition was on 19th May 1930. Later she joined St. Theresa’s School Changanacherry for higher studies, completing which she engaged in teaching for one year at Vakakkad. Sr. Alphonsa entered the novitiate on 12th August 1935. During this period, she had a severe attack of haemorrhage and it was feared that she would have to be sent back. But on the ninth day of the novena held by her and the community seeking the intercession of Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavera, she was miraculously cured. She completed the novitiate and made the solemn profession of her religious vows on 12th August 1936.
Sr. Alphonsa continued to have her repeated spells of sickness and pain. She was on a bed of thrones torn and tortured by excruciating pain and prolonged agony. There was a rejoicing in the lord and magnified Him. She was longing to suffer even more for her own sanctification and that of the world.
She constantly advised her companions and novices to accept suffering cheerfully citing the biblical references to the grain of wheat which has to fall down and decay to raise new sprouts; it has to be ground to be turned into hosts for transformation as the body of Our Lord. She also reminded them of the grapes which have to be crushed to yield wine to become the blood of the Lord.
Her death(28th July 1946) was unnoticed by the public. The funeral was simple and thinly attended. But soon the school children, who loved her received favours through her intercession. Her tomb at Bharananganam turned into a great centre of pilgrimage attracting people from far and near.
How to reach:
Bharananganam town is located 5 kms east of Palai in Kottayam district on the Kottayam – Erattupett Road. Palai lies 30 km southwest of Kottayam.
Air: The nearest airport is at Kochi International Airport, Nedumbassery about 76 km km from Kottayam. The routes are Nedumbassery – Aluva – Kalamassery – Thripunithra – Ettumanoor – Pala -Bharananganam or Nedumbassery – Kalady – Perumbavoor – Muvattupuzha – Thodupuzha – Palai -Bharananganam
Rail: The nearest railhead is Ettumanoor which is 12 km from Palai and the nearest railway station is at Kottayam (33 km) and is connected with major cities of South India.
Road: There are frequent buses from Kottayam and Palai to Bharananganam, and Kottayam is well connected by road to all important South Indian cities and towns.
Lord Of The Sick Saviour Of The World 