“One of the basic prerequisites for declaring a person saint is that after his or her death, some miracle has to take place in his or her name. This miracle, mostly related to healing needs to be reported and certified by the doctors as a phenomenon beyond the capabilities of medical science. Other than this, the person has to have led a good, clean life,” adds C P Varkey, committee member, Alphonsa church.

Such a miracle took place in case of sister Alphonsa not once but twice. “In the year 1947, a person named Kunju was born in Kerala with a twisted leg. He prayed to sister Alphonsa and was miraculously cured. This was the incident that got sister Alphonsa declared as blessed. A similar phenomenon was repeated in 1999 when Jinil, a small boy in Kerala, born with two twisted legs was cured by praying to her. This miracle played a crucial role in making her a saint,” adds father Benny.

The declaration has sent a wave of happiness amongst the Keralite Catholics. The Alphonsa church will be celebrating the event for two days. “Various events like social activities and blood donation camps have been organised. We will also be sponsoring one-day meals for five old age homes in the city. The event will also include flag hoisting and a feast,” says father Benny.