2009 - Saint Alphonsa Birth Centenary | Commemorative Coin

The 2nd commemorative coin of 2009 was released to mark the Birth Centenary of Saint Alphonsa.

Saint Alphonsa, born Anna Muttathupadathu on 19 August 1910 in Kudamaloor, Kerala, is remembered as one of the most beloved figures in the history of the Indian Catholic Church. She became the first woman of Indian origin to be canonized as a saint, honored worldwide for her life of deep faith, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. From a very young age, she experienced hardship and illness, yet she embraced every trial with a spirit of surrender to God, transforming her suffering into a path of holiness. Orphaned early in life, she was raised by relatives who ensured she received education and spiritual grounding. Even as a child, Alphonsa felt a strong calling to religious life, desiring to dedicate herself completely to God.

Against societal expectations and personal challenges, she joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation at the age of seventeen, becoming Sister Alphonsa. Her path, however, was not one of ease. Throughout her life in the convent, she endured numerous illnesses, accidents, and physical suffering. Despite these hardships, she radiated kindness, humility, and peace. Her fellow sisters often remarked on her serene smile and her ability to comfort others even when she herself was in pain. For Alphonsa, suffering was not a burden but a means of union with Christ, a spiritual offering that defined her journey to sainthood.

Her extraordinary patience and acceptance of God's will made her a symbol of hope for countless people. Those who visited her during her final years were deeply moved by her gentle nature and her prayerful spirit. She became known for miraculous intercessions even during her lifetime, and after her death on 28 July 1946, devotion to her grew rapidly. Pilgrims began visiting her tomb at Bharananganam, seeking spiritual comfort and healing. Over time, testimonies of miraculous cures and answered prayers further strengthened the belief in her sanctity.

Saint Alphonsa’s canonization by Pope Benedict XVI on 12 October 2008 was a moment of profound joy for India, especially for the Christian community of Kerala. Her life continues to inspire people of all faiths, reminding them that holiness can be found in simple acts of love, quiet endurance, and complete faith in divine providence. She remains a powerful symbol of purity, compassion, and spiritual strength, and her legacy of grace touches millions who look to her as a guiding light in times of suffering and uncertainty.

Release Function: