The Feast of St. Alphonsa, the first native saint of India and Syro-Malabar Church was celebrated by the Auckland Syro-Malabar Catholic mission on 26th of July. Rev. Fr. Joy Thottamkara C.Ss.R, the chaplain of ASMCM organised the feast in an appropriate way even in the cold climate. Parishioners took special interest in participating in the feast of their beloved saint from their homeland Kerala and it was great occasion for thanking God for the wonderful blessings we receive through her intercession. The Holy Mass started at 4.30 pm after the installation of the Statue of St. Alphonsa in the Altar. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jobin Vanniamparampil C.Ss.R. The inspiring homily about the birth, childhood, convent life, and death of St. Alphonsa gave a new knowledge about the Saint’s life in India. The Holy Mass ended with the veneration of the Relic of St. Alphonsa and the Latheenju. The church was a full house and many had to stay outside the church or in their car. There was a shared Kerala style dinner after the Holy Mass. The extreme winter and rain made no difference to the celebrations as the community participated in all the events of the day whole heartedly.
Fr. Jobin Vanniamparampil
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