The only diocese which has India’s first woman saint, Saint Alphonsa, as its patron, plans to set up palliative centers in all parishes to promote her spirituality.

“Reaching out to the critically ill is an effective way to promote Saint Alphonsa’s spirituality,” said Father Remigius Inchananiyil, chancellor of Thamarassery diocese in the southern state of Kerala.

The nun’s life was “full of suffering.”

“There is no better way to teach the saint’s spirituality than caring for suffering people,” said Father Inchananiyil.

Saint Alphonsa, a Franciscan Clarist nun, was canonized on Oct. 12, 2008. She died in 1946 at the age of 36 after spending most of her life bedridden through constant illness. She was said to have never complained and always offered her physical pains as penance for the sins of others.

The diocese has just concluded a year dedicated to her.

Bishop Paul Chittilappilly said his is the only diocese that has Saint Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception as its patron. “The diocese chose her as patron in 1986 even before she was made a saint,” he told UCA News.

The diocese conducted various spiritual and social programs to mark the year. It set up a palliative care unit in one of the parishes and organized seminars, camps and contests in parishes to promote the saint’s spirituality.

On Dec. 26, the diocese gave 100 houses to the poor, including five families from other religions. Father Inchananiyil told UCA News another 50 houses are nearing completion.

“People responded well to the bishop’s call for help with each parish building at least one house,” he said.

One beneficiary, Lonai Nerinjapally, 70, said he is grateful to the diocese for helping him own a home. He added that his income is insufficient even to buy medicines.

Source:  Diocese plans pain management centers to promote saint’s spirituality (UCAN)

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