Altarpiece ∙ Pope Benedict XVI, who introduced India’s first saint, is now a candlelit memorial. Pala Diocese and Bharanganam St. Alphonsa Pilgrimage Center is in commemoration of Pope Benedict XVI who canonized Alphonsama. When Alphonsama was canonized, the Asian continent also received its first saint through Pope Benedict.
Alphonsama was canonized on October 12, 2008 in a ceremony held in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Mons. Mar Joseph Kallarangat, Mar Joseph Pallikapparampil, diocesan Vicar General Fr. Joseph Kuginjal, Fr. Philip Njeralakat, Vice Postulator Fr. Francis Vadakkel, Jinil Ozhutotiyil, who was a member of the parish of Mannapara miraculously healed by St. Alphonsama, and others attended the canonization at the Vatican.
Pope Benedict XVI was an eminent theologian, writer and courageous warrior of the faith, said the Rector of the Holy Alphonsa Pilgrimage Center in Bharanganam, Fr. said Jose Vallompurayatam. At the news of Pope Benedict’s death, the bells were rung in the churches and institutions of the diocese as a sign of mourning.
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