Date:31/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/31/stories/2008103150600200.htm

Kerala

Kalam to attend Alphonsa canonisation celebrations

Staff Reporter

— PHOTO: BY special arrangement

PILGRIM CENTRE: The newly built St. Alphonsa grotto at Bharananganam near Kottayam.

PALA: The 10-day thanksgiving celebrations by the Catholic Church to mark the canonisation of St. Alphonsa begin at Bharananganam on Friday.

The celebrations which commence with special Mass on Friday, will conclude on November 9 with a public meeting.

Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will be the guest of honour at the valedictory session.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Thursday, Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt of Pala diocese said that in addition to religious ceremonies, presentation of a drama and a dance drama depicting the life of St. Alphonsa have been scheduled as part of the celebrations.

The celebration on Friday include the consecration of the newly built St. Alphonsa grotto near the tomb of the saint.

The public function will be chaired by Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in Vatican. Dr. Kalam will inaugurate the function.

Host of dignitaries

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, Major Archbishop Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, Telesphore Cardinal Toppo of Ranchi, Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil, bishops from sister churches and others will participate.

Reacting to a question, Bishop Kallarangatt said a new administrative structure would be put in place to oversee the functioning of the various bodies connected with the new pilgrim centre.

Bharanaganam and the various spots connected with the life of St. Alphonsa are expected to emerge into a major global pilgrim centre, he said.