Kerala Launches Ten-day Thanksgiving for Saint

(November 3, 2008) Catholics in St. Alphonsa’s Palai diocese began a 10-day long program, including prayers and cultural celebrations, to thank for the life of the saintly nun. The programs launched on October 31 will end November 9 with valedictory function attended by former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and other socio-religious luminaries. Kalam will inaugurate the November 9 function, which will be chaired by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in the Vatican. India’s Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, Major Archbishop Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil of Syro-Malbar Church, Cardinal Telesphore Toppo of Ranchi, Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil and bishops from other denominations and rites are also expected for the valedictory function. The programs aim to familiarize people across Kerala with the life of the saint, whom Pope Benedict XVI canonized on October 12. The nun born in a village lived and died in a convent in Bharanaganam, near Palai. Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt of Pala said that the nine day programs will have a drama and a dance-drama on the life of the India’s first woman saint besides liturgical ceremonies and prayer programs. The programme will begin with a solemn high mass at the newly built grotto near the tomb of St Alphonsa
Kerala Launches Ten-day Thanksgiving for Saint (ICNS)