Alphonsa festival begins

(July 21, 2011) Thousands of pilgrims thronged the shrine of Saint Alphonsa July 18, the opening of ten-day prayers in preparation of the feast of Asia’s first woman saint. Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt of Palai hoisted the festival flag as priests and nuns from all over Kerala watched. Shrine officials said people began to flock the saint’s tomb from early morning and continued until late in the evening. Bishop Kallarangatt, in his homily during the opening Mass, said Saint Alphonsa attained sanctify by her efforts to deeply understand divine mysteries and follow God’s will for her. Prelates and spiritual directors from all over Kerala are expected to lead services in the coming days. Major Archbishop George Alencherry will lead the special Mass on July 28, the feast day.