St. Alphonsa was the first canonized saint of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and is the patroness against illness, disease related to feet, and India. People suffering from serious illness or foot injuries can seek her intercession by praying St. Alphonsa novena.
Joseph and Mary gave birth to her on August 19th. Annakuttty was her given name. She had been in a lot of pain since she was a child. Her mother died only three months after she was born.
Annamma Muricken, Annakutty’s maternal aunt, looked after her from the fourth grade onwards. Her aunt had a knack for balancing tenderness and toughness.
Anna’s feet were seriously burned when she fell into a pit of burning chaff in 1923. She was permanently crippled as a result of the accident. Annamma was preparing Annakutty to be a capable and worthy housewife for a good bridegroom as a caring guardian.
About St. Alphonsa
She was the first Indian woman and the second person of Indian ancestry to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. She was also the first canonized saint of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church.
Alphonsamma, as she was known in the community, had a rough upbringing, suffering from early grief and sorrow. She entered the Franciscan Clarist Congregation and professed her vows to the order in 1936 after completing her education. She was an educator for many years, although she was tormented by the disease throughout the majority of her career.
Anna began her education at Arpookara in 1916. On November 27, 1917, she received her First Communion. She transferred to Muttuchira High School in 1918.
Anna’s feet were seriously burned when she fell into a pit of burning chaff in 1923. She was permanently crippled as a result of the accident. Anna entered the Franciscan Clarist Congregation when she was able.
On Pentecost 1927, she entered the Poor Clares convent at Bharananganam. On August 2, 1928, she got the postulant’s veil and took the name Alphonsa. She enrolled in Vazhappally’s Malayalam High School in May 1929. In 1930, her foster mother passed away.
She obtained her religious habit at Bharananganam on May 19, 1930. She continued her studies at Changanacherry three days later, while working as a substitute teacher at a school in Vakakkad. She entered the novitiate on August 11, 1931.
On August 12, 1936, Anna took her final vows. She returned to Bharananganam from Changanacherry two days later. She was an elementary school teacher who was frequently ill and unable to teach.
She passed away on July 28, 1946, at the age of 35. She was buried in the Diocese of Palai in Bharananganam, South India. Miracles have been reported at her tomb in Bharananganam, and it has become a pilgrimage center.
The healing of an infant’s club foot in 1999 was attributed to her intercession and authorized by the Vatican for canonization. The 28th of July is her feast day. St. Alphonsa’s stamp was created in the 1990s with the support of Kerala’s former minister, K. Karunakaran.
Alphonsa was supposed to have the gift of prophecy. Alphonsa was told in a vision by St. Therese, the Little Flower, that she would not contract communicable diseases, but that she would continue to suffer in some fashion for the rest of her life.
According to legend, Alphonsa asked God to remove the malaria symptoms from a Bishop and a teaching nun and place them on her as part of her suffering. God fulfilled her requests, and she became the carrier of those sicknesses, according to the tale.
Facts
Novena Starts: July 20th
Feast Day: July 28th
Read more: St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena
Alphonsa Novena
Day 1
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out Your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of Divine love. Just as You led St. Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.
Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray “Lord hear our prayer.”
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, You raised St. Alphonsa to the host of the Saint, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to see the hand of God in all our sufferings and sorrows, like St. Alphonsa who bore witness to You through her sufferings and self sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered Yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. St. Alphonsa imitated You by offering herself as a Victim on your altar. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to You every moment as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of Your death and agony You prayed to the Father saying: “Not my will but Thy will be done.” St. Alphonsa also imitated You praying in the same fashion. Help us to see You in our superiors and do Your will in all circumstances.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayer
Merciful and benevolent god, we offer ourselves completely to You. We give you thanks for all the blessings You shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, You gave us St. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 2
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out Your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of Divine love. Just as You led St. Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.
Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray “Lord hear our prayer.”
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, You raised St. Alphonsa to the host of the Saint, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to see the hand of God in all our sufferings and sorrows, like St. Alphonsa who bore witness to You through her sufferings and self sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered Yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. St. Alphonsa imitated You by offering herself as a Victim on your altar. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to You every moment as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of Your death and agony You prayed to the Father saying: “Not my will but Thy will be done.” St. Alphonsa also imitated You praying in the same fashion. Help us to see You in our superiors and do Your will in all circumstances.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayer
Merciful and benevolent god, we offer ourselves completely to You. We give you thanks for all the blessings You shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, You gave us St. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Read more: St. Martha Novena
Day 3
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out Your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of Divine love. Just as You led St. Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.
Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray “Lord hear our prayer.”
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, You raised St. Alphonsa to the host of the Saint, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to see the hand of God in all our sufferings and sorrows, like St. Alphonsa who bore witness to You through her sufferings and self sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered Yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. St. Alphonsa imitated You by offering herself as a Victim on your altar. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to You every moment as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of Your death and agony You prayed to the Father saying: “Not my will but Thy will be done.” St. Alphonsa also imitated You praying in the same fashion. Help us to see You in our superiors and do Your will in all circumstances.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayer
Merciful and benevolent god, we offer ourselves completely to You. We give you thanks for all the blessings You shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, You gave us St. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 4
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out Your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of Divine love. Just as You led St. Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.
Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray “Lord hear our prayer.”
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, You raised St. Alphonsa to the host of the Saint, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to see the hand of God in all our sufferings and sorrows, like St. Alphonsa who bore witness to You through her sufferings and self sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered Yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. St. Alphonsa imitated You by offering herself as a Victim on your altar. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to You every moment as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of Your death and agony You prayed to the Father saying: “Not my will but Thy will be done.” St. Alphonsa also imitated You praying in the same fashion. Help us to see You in our superiors and do Your will in all circumstances.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayer
Merciful and benevolent god, we offer ourselves completely to You. We give you thanks for all the blessings You shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, You gave us St. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 5
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out Your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of Divine love. Just as You led St. Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.
Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray “Lord hear our prayer.”
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, You raised St. Alphonsa to the host of the Saint, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to see the hand of God in all our sufferings and sorrows, like St. Alphonsa who bore witness to You through her sufferings and self sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered Yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. St. Alphonsa imitated You by offering herself as a Victim on your altar. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to You every moment as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of Your death and agony You prayed to the Father saying: “Not my will but Thy will be done.” St. Alphonsa also imitated You praying in the same fashion. Help us to see You in our superiors and do Your will in all circumstances.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayer
Merciful and benevolent god, we offer ourselves completely to You. We give you thanks for all the blessings You shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, You gave us St. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Read more: Novena for Priests
Day 6
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out Your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of Divine love. Just as You led St. Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.
Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray “Lord hear our prayer.”
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, You raised St. Alphonsa to the host of the Saint, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to see the hand of God in all our sufferings and sorrows, like St. Alphonsa who bore witness to You through her sufferings and self sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered Yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. St. Alphonsa imitated You by offering herself as a Victim on your altar. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to You every moment as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of Your death and agony You prayed to the Father saying: “Not my will but Thy will be done.” St. Alphonsa also imitated You praying in the same fashion. Help us to see You in our superiors and do Your will in all circumstances.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayer
Merciful and benevolent god, we offer ourselves completely to You. We give you thanks for all the blessings You shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, You gave us St. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 7
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out Your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of Divine love. Just as You led St. Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.
Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray “Lord hear our prayer.”
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, You raised St. Alphonsa to the host of the Saint, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to see the hand of God in all our sufferings and sorrows, like St. Alphonsa who bore witness to You through her sufferings and self sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered Yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. St. Alphonsa imitated You by offering herself as a Victim on your altar. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to You every moment as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of Your death and agony You prayed to the Father saying: “Not my will but Thy will be done.” St. Alphonsa also imitated You praying in the same fashion. Help us to see You in our superiors and do Your will in all circumstances.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayer
Merciful and benevolent god, we offer ourselves completely to You. We give you thanks for all the blessings You shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, You gave us St. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 8
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out Your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of Divine love. Just as You led St. Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.
Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray “Lord hear our prayer.”
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, You raised St. Alphonsa to the host of the Saint, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to see the hand of God in all our sufferings and sorrows, like St. Alphonsa who bore witness to You through her sufferings and self sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered Yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. St. Alphonsa imitated You by offering herself as a Victim on your altar. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to You every moment as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of Your death and agony You prayed to the Father saying: “Not my will but Thy will be done.” St. Alphonsa also imitated You praying in the same fashion. Help us to see You in our superiors and do Your will in all circumstances.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayer
Merciful and benevolent god, we offer ourselves completely to You. We give you thanks for all the blessings You shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, You gave us St. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 9
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out Your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of Divine love. Just as You led St. Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.
Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray “Lord hear our prayer.”
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, You raised St. Alphonsa to the host of the Saint, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to see the hand of God in all our sufferings and sorrows, like St. Alphonsa who bore witness to You through her sufferings and self sacrifice.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered Yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. St. Alphonsa imitated You by offering herself as a Victim on your altar. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to You every moment as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of Your death and agony You prayed to the Father saying: “Not my will but Thy will be done.” St. Alphonsa also imitated You praying in the same fashion. Help us to see You in our superiors and do Your will in all circumstances.
All : Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayer
Merciful and benevolent god, we offer ourselves completely to You. We give you thanks for all the blessings You shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, You gave us St. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Read more: Prayer for Priests
thanks a lot for this novena, i am praying for getting good marks in my 12th board examinations above 98% and i have heard many students use to ask her prayers when she was on earth. i strongly believe she will help like she always helped me my entire life, amen