(1910-1946) Anna Muttathupadathu took the name Alphonsa as a Poor Clare nun and was the first saint from India to be canonized. “She experienced not only physical pain of great intensity, but also the spiritual suffering of being misunderstood and misjudged by others. But she constantly accepted all her sufferings with serenity and trust in God, being firmly convinced that they would purify her motives, help her to overcome all selfishness, and unite her more closely with her beloved divine Spouse.” (Pope Saint John Paul II, beatification homily on February 8, 1986.

Suffering can be united to the Cross and transformed into prayer. Hundreds of miraculous cures are attributed to the intercession of Saint Alphonsa, most commonly involving straightening of deformed feet. Every day, we need to be reminded of three small steps despite our spiritual deformities. God can do what we are powerless to, so let Him (Steps 1-3).

“I feel that the Lord has destined me to be an oblation, a sacrifice of suffering…I consider a day in which I have not suffered as a day lost to me” (Saint Alphonsa).

Reflection by Brad Farmer