St. Alphonsa: a cheerful saint.
“A smile is a wick of light; I shall gaze upon drooping countenance and smile gracefully.” St. Alphonsa.
Cheerfulness reflects the inner peace and joy of living by God’s will, cultivating a grateful heart, and sharing love and compassion with others. St. Theresa of Avila used to pray God save us from gloomy saints. St Alphonsa was a cheerful saint. In the book Alphonsa, The First Indian Woman Saint, Professor Giuseppe Segalla presents three pictures of Alphonsa. These three characteristics in her life are the gateway to going deep into her holiness. On this occasion, she reveals herself and her life ideals and goals.
We got her first picture when Fr Sebastian Pinakatt wrote a short biography’ Fashion Flower, in 1970. Fr Pinakatt writes: “Alphonsa’s face shone with an extraordinary cheerfulness. The beauty that radiated from that glowing face was heartwarming. Hers was an innocent smile. She was plagued by constant illnesses and trials, but none of that stained her cheerful nature or cheerful appearance. She naturally had a tender heart and a keen intellect. God gave Alphonasa a unique ability to talk and entertain others by talking sweetly. There was never a harsh word or unkind behavior from her.
St. Alphonsa’s childlike gentleness, humility, and modesty were virtues that endeared her to all who came in contact with her. Her cheerful nature, like that of a child, brought joy to others. She loved little children, and her humble lifestyle and high ideals were a source of inspiration. Her compassion, interest, and attention to the convent’s domestic staff were extraordinary. She comforted them in their pains and shared in their joys and sorrows, showing the power of a cheerful heart to uplift others.
The second picture of St. Alphonsa’s cheerfulness is found in the statement of her Jacobite friend, Annamma. She said, “I have never seen her without a smile on her lips. After Alphonsa’s death, I asked a sister, “Why is the joy on her face not visible in any photograph? The sister replied, “It is a special joy that manifests God’s glory. This unique joy, this heavenly beauty, is not something that can be captured by any camera. It is a divine presence that radiates from her face.
The third picture depicting Alphonsa’s inner beauty is a letter she wrote to her spiritual Father, Fr. Louis CMI, on February 10, 1946. She writes:
“I have been facing a lot of physical and mental problems for a long time. Sometimes feels overwhelmed with pain, and tears flow in torrents. But I haven’t been in public… So far, I look happy to the public, so others think that I don’t have any mental problems to bear. I want to offer myself completely on the altar of love so that others cannot understand my preferences.”
These three testimonies about Sister Alphonsa’s happy nature are powerful reminders of her inspirational qualities. Despite enduring severe pain, Alphonsa’s heartwarming smile had the power to make others happy. This unique feature sets her apart from ordinary people and serves as a testament to her unwavering faith and resilience. In Catholic Understanding, joy is considered one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is seen as a gift from God that flows from a deep relationship with Him. Cheerful saint Alphonsa constantly reminds us to keep the company of Jesus and be happy.
Fr Jaison Kunnel MCBS