St. Alphonsa Shrine

The St. Alphonsa Shrine is located within the historic St. Mary's Forane Church in Bharananganam, Kerala. It houses the tomb of Saint Alphonsa, India's first woman saint and the first canonized saint of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. Established in 1004 AD, the church is a major Christian pilgrimage center attracting devotees from around the world who come to pray at the saint's tomb and visit the adjacent museum displaying her personal belongings.

Visitors can expect a serene and devotional atmosphere at this active pilgrimage center. The shrine features the marble tomb of Saint Alphonsa where pilgrims offer prayers, flowers, and lamps. The premises include the historic St. Mary's Church, also known as Anakallu Church, and an adjacent museum housing Saint Alphonsa's habit, books, wooden cup, and other personal items. The site is well-maintained with spacious grounds, clean facilities, and areas for reflection and prayer.

St. Mary's Forane Church was established in 1004 AD, making it one of the oldest churches in Kerala. Saint Alphonsa (1910-1946) was buried here on July 29, 1946, and the cemetery chapel built in 1945 became her shrine. She was canonized on October 12, 2008, becoming India's first woman saint and the first canonized saint of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.

The shrine is a major Christian pilgrimage center in South India, often referred to as the 'Lisieux of India'. It holds deep religious significance for the Syro-Malabar Catholic community and attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad. The annual feast on July 28th draws thousands of devotees. Many miracles and cures have been attributed to prayers at Saint Alphonsa's tomb.