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Call to emulate St. Alphonsa

BHARANANGANAM: The former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has called for emulating the qualities of Saint Alphonsa such as being a noble human being, and working towards harmony at home, order in the nation and peace in the world.

Addressing a gathering of believers at the valedictory function of the thanksgiving celebration of the canonisation of St. Alphonsa of Immaculate Conception here on Sunday, Mr. Kalam said the life of the saint was one of renunciation of the world. She had renounced desires and her own preferences.

“Unlike other nuns, she wore a ring: ‘suffe-ring.’ She suffered and suffered in silence. She knew silence was the best ornament to wear during the celebration of suffering,” Mr. Kalam said. “God loves children, because they do not consider themselves as great. Pride does not rule them and they are humble,” said Mr. Kalam.

St. Alphonsa was like a child who accepted all that happened to her as the will of God, Mr. Kalam said. “Miracles will not happen because you have money to spend. People will not get mental or spiritual solace just because there is somebody with money and power,” Mr. Kalam said.

He exhorted the people of the village to become torch-bearers of St. Alphonsa.

Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil welcomed the gathering. Prefect of the Congregation of the Oriental Churches Leonardo Cardinal Sandri presided. Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana delivered the benediction message. Mother Celia, head of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation in India; Telesphore Cardinal Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi; Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil, Archbishop Joseph Perumthottam; Archbishop Joseph Powathil; Bishop Joseph Pallickaparambil; and others spoke on the occasion.

Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt of the Pala diocese proposed a vote of thanks.

The day began at the tomb of St. Alphonsa with the celebration of the holy Eucharist in the morning.

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