Bharananganam Pilgrimage

Anakkallu or Bharananganam is now a pilgrim centre.  The tomb, of Sr. Alphonsa, the first person from Kerala to be beatified by the Catholic Church, is at Bharananganam and that has made the place, find a place of pride in the global map. The convent of Clara is reputed and known as an epitome of tolerance and forbearance, the most distinct features of ascetic life. Alphonsa died on July 28. Devotees, who observe the Feast of St. Sebastian and Mother Carmela, on January 20 and November 9, reach here to offer prayers at the tomb of Alphonsa. Alphonsa, who was born at Muttathupadam in Kudamaloor in 1910, joined the Clara Convent in 1917.  She suffered from various diseases and her life was one of tolerance and forbearance.  She died in 1946 at the age of 36.  She was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in October 2008.  A church came up near her vault on the burial ground.