Saint Alphonsa or Alphonsamma is the first Indian woman to be canonized in the catholic church. The Alphonsa shrine which has Saint Alphonsa’s tomb is situated in Bharananganam in Pala in Kottayam district, Kerala. Bharananganam is a major pilgrimage center in South India. 1000 year old St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is a famous pilgrim center of Christians. The death anniversary of Saint Alphonsa on July 28 is an important day for devotees every year. On this day thousands of devotees visit this shrine for praying and seeking the blessing of Saint Alphonsa. Her personal belongings are preserved at St. Alphonsa Museum which is close to the convent chapel. Audio and visuals of St. Alphonsa’s life are displayed in the gallery next to the museum. The museum opens at 8.30 am till 4.45 pm. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday the worship timing is at 7.30 am and holy mass at 8.30 am. On Thursday and Friday 6 pm and holy mass at 7 pm then novena.
Bharananganam Church
