Sister Alphonsa was born at Kudamaloor, near  Kottayam  in  Kerala on 19th August, 1910, She joined the Clarist Congregation of nuns  to  dedicate her life entirely to God and the service of humanity. For a short period she worked as a teacher. In spite of her ill health she avidly pursued  her  mission and brought out great spiritual enhancement in the lives of the  people  around her. She was beatified by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on 8th February 1986 at Kottayam,  the  first woman  from India to be raised to this honour.

She breathed her last on 28th July 1946 at Bharananganam where her mortal remains  lie buried. Over the years, Bharananganam has become a centre of pilgrimage attracting thousands of pilgrims Hindus,  Muslims and Christians. Her life and work has become the subject for more than 20 books some in European languages like, French, Italian and Spanish.

Department of Post issues a commemorative stamp to mark the 50th death anniversary of Blessed Alphonsa.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India