Indian Catholics fete first woman saint

October 13, 2008 04:48:25 AM

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A Roman Catholic nun is to be made India's first female saint by Pope Benedict XVI in a televised ceremony on Sunday.

Hundreds of visitors to the sleepy town of Bharananganam in Kerala state offered special prayers ahead of the canonisation of Sister Alphonsa Muttathupadathu, who died in 1946 at the age of 36.

"I have been coming here for the past 20 years to seek blessings from her for my family, especially for my children's studies," said government official V.J Joseph.

"Today is an important day as the holy Church is declaring her a saint," said Joseph, who came with his wife and two children.

Many miracles have been attributed to Sister Alphonsa, especially by those seeking relief from ill health.

Hundreds of school children carrying papal flags took part in the celebrations.

Local church authorities have arranged for the live telecast of the ceremony at the Vatican.

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