Indian delegation led by Oscar Fernandes leaves for Alphonsa's canonisation

An Indian delegation led by Union labor minister Oscar Fernandes, left on Thursday for the Vatican to attend the canonization of Sister Alphonsa scheduled on October 12.

The delegation includes Kerala public works department minister Mons Joseph, P C Thomas MP, former Kerala finance minister K M Mani, MLAs P C George and K V Thomas, former Meghalaya governor M M Jacob and Mahatma Gandhi University vice–chancellor Jancy James.

Former minister and Kerala Congress leader Mr K.M. Mani, who is also member of the delegation said, "I am completely overwhelmed by the occasion and have no words to explain my feelings. Being a member of the Indian delegation is big in itself but to be appointed as a member in the team of clerics to present the mortal remains at the historical function makes me double blessed."

"This is the third time I'm visiting the Vatican. It is a spiritual journey for me and it is fortunate," he added.

Sister Alphonsa born on Aug 19, 1910, became the first woman from India to be canonised by the Catholic Church.

A number of miracles attributed to her started coming to light after her death which were formally examined first by Indian church authorities and then by Vatican’s various committees, papal courts and medical panels.

Pope John Paul II declared her the Blessed Servant of God in 1985 following his approval of a miracle attributed to her, related to the healing of a young boy’s twisted feet after his family prayed at her tomb in at the Alphonsa Chapel at Bharananganam in Kottayam.