Click to play videoBharananganam (Kerala): For Christians in India October 12 will remain special for a long time to come. Pope Benedict XVI declared blessed Alphonsa of Bharananganam a saint, a rare moment in the history of Christianity in India.
The canonisation took place in the Vatican, but the real celebration was in her village Bharananganam in Kerala. Thousands flocked to her tomb hours in advance for a special mass and many were even praying for another miracle from her.
“I am more or less paralysed with unbearable pain, but I wanted to be here at this moment. I'm much better now and I’m sure Saint Alphonsa will cure me,” a resident of Bharananganam, David Ghana said.
The people of Bharananganam celebrated the canonisation of their beloved Alphonsamma by taking processions from all churches .The participants were mostly children in a fitting tribute to the saint.
“I was praying for my daughter yesterday. I am so glad that someone close to my heart is close to God,” another resident, James said.
For her believers the canonisation was a mere ceremony. Saint Alphonsa was already a saint in their hearts.
“I have been coming here for a number of years. We always knew sister Alphonsa was a saint. There is no need of a declaration for us.” Rosalyn Thomas said.
The moment Sister Alphonsa was canonised, Church bells rang across Kerala in unison. Perhaps ringing in a new wave of inspiration for Catholics in the state and for Bharananganam, it will be one more month of celebrations.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
 |
 |
 |
|
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.