St Alphonsa is a blessing for all: Kalam

Kottayam, Nov 9 (UNI) Former President A P J Abdul Kalam today said St Alphonsa had become a blessing for all.

Inaugurating a public meeting at her tomb in Bharananganam, near here, organised as part of the canonisation of Sister Alphonsa by Pope Benedict XVI at Vatican on October 12, he said let her spiritual life radiate from Kerala to the entire country and to many nations.

Drawing inspiration from the saint's life of sufferings and endurance, Mr Kalam wrote a poem titled ''sufferings is God's gift.'' St Alphonsa accepted the sufferings with a smile. She knew that silence was the best ornament to wear at the time of sufferings, he said.

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Oriental Congregation, presided over the function. Cardinal Toppo, Archbishops Daniel Acharuparambil and Mar George Valiyamattom and bishops of other churches offered felicitation. Pala Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangattu welcomed the gathering.

Earlier, Mr Kalam visited saint's tomb.

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