Pope Benedict XVI canonized a Catholic nun as the first female Indian saint. Sister Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conceptiona is from Kerala, India. Here’s part of the Zenit.org article describing the Pope’s remarks at her canonization.

The Holy Father described the Indian religious as a woman “convinced that her cross was the very means of reaching the heavenly banquet prepared for her by the Father. By accepting the invitation to the wedding feast, and by adorning herself with the garment of God’s grace through prayer and penance, she conformed her life to Christ’s and now delights in the ‘rich fare and choice wines’ of the heavenly kingdom.”

Alphonsa (1910-1946), born Anna Muttathupadathu, was the last of five children born to a Christian family of noble origins. Left orphaned at only three months, she was raised by a maternal aunt and educated by an uncle who was a priest. But it was her maternal grandmother who helped her discover the faith and instilled a love of prayer in her already at a young age.

Her young life was marked not only by grave illnesses but also by ill-treatment from her aunt.

“Her heroic virtues of patience, fortitude and perseverance in the midst of profound suffering remind us that God always gives us the strength necessary to endure every trial,” the Pope said at the end of the Eucharistic celebration, after praying the Angelus.

“While the Christian faithful of India give thanks to God for their first daughter presented for public veneration, I would like to assure them of my prayer during this difficult time,” the Pontiff added.

According to reports from Indian bishops present at the synod on the Word of God underway in Rome, at least 80 Christians have been killed in the wave of religious persecution that the country is currently experiencing, especially in the state of Orissa.

Benedict XVI entrusted “those who seek peace and reconciliation to the providential care of almighty God.”

He also asked that the “authors of the violence renounce these acts and join with their brothers and sisters to work together in building a civilization of love.” (source: Zenit.org)

Check out the Zenit.org article for more on the three other people canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 12, 2008.

I think it’s pretty cool how Sister Alphonsa was canonized at a time when the people of India, especially Orissa, need some encouragement.