Born on August 19, 1910, in the small village of Kudamaloor, Kerala, Saint Alphonsa was a woman of deep faith, gentle spirit, and extraordinary devotion. Named Anna Muttathupadathu at birth, she lost her mother at a young age and was raised by her loving aunt. Even as a child, Anna displayed a profound spiritual maturity and chose prayer over play, silence over praise.
Her heart was set on becoming the bride of Christ, despite challenges from her family who had other plans for her future. In a moment of deep conviction, she intentionally disfigured her foot in an accident to avoid marriage and stay true to her calling. Eventually, she joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation and took the name Sister Alphonsa.
Her life in the convent was marked not by ease but by intense physical suffering—from chronic illness to spiritual trials. Yet, Alphonsa never wavered. With a serene smile, she embraced her pain as a way to share in Christ’s suffering and offer it up for the salvation of souls. Her words often echoed a simple but powerful truth:
“I consider a day without suffering as a day lost.”
Saint Alphonsa passed away on July 28, 1946, at just 35 years old, but her legacy lived on. Miracles were reported through her intercession, and her tomb in Bharananganam, Kerala, became a place of pilgrimage and healing.
In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI canonized her, making her the first female saint from India. Today, Saint Alphonsa continues to inspire millions with her message of love, humility, and joyful endurance.