St. Alphonsa was born on August 19, 1910, as the fourth child of Joseph and Mary Muttathupadath, in the parish of Kudamaloor in the state of Kerala. She was baptized on August 27, with the baptismal name Anna and the affectionate nickname Annakutty. Unfortunately, her mother passed away just three months after her birth. Notably, St. Alphonsa is remembered for her remarkable acceptance and love of suffering and pain. Her profound connection with Jesus Christ is evident in how she embraced suffering, viewing it as a path to sanctity and recognizing its redemptive value when united with the suffering of Christ. The foundation of St. Alphonsa's spiritual life lay in her intimate relationship with the Lord, expressed through her personal prayer life. She consciously prioritized making the Lord the center of her existence, considering everything else as secondary. Her life reflected a commitment to self-denial and self-negation, moving away from egocentric desires for personal acclaim and worldly attachments to wholeheartedly love Jesus Christ. A glimpse into her prayer reveals a profound humility and desire for spiritual transformation. She fervently prayed, "Lord Jesus, hide me in the wound of your sacred heart. Free me from my desire to be loved and esteemed. Guard me from my evil attempts to win fame and honor. Make me humble till I become a small spark in the flame of love in your Sacred Heart. Grant me the grace to forget myself and all worldly things. Jesus, sweet beyond words, convert all worldly consolations into bitterness for me. O my Jesus, Sun of Justice, enlighten my intellect and mind with your sacred rays. Purify my heart, consume me with burning love for you, and make me one with you." In the twenty-first century, St. Alphonsa's life serves as both a reminder and a challenge. Despite the vast possibilities for human advancement, there remains a consistent void for Jesus Christ and His transformative path—the way of the Cross and redemptive Love. Her legacy calls us to reflect on our priorities and to embrace a deeper connection with the divine in the midst of the complexities of modern life.
