St. Alphonsa(Annakutty) started her education in the Govt. L. P. School at Arpookara Thonnamkuzhy
The Kudamaloor church was believed to be founded and built by the king of Chempakasserry. The exact date of its foundation is not known. Historical facts about Kudamaloor church are available from the beginning of the 16th century.
The old church at Kudamaloor, which still exists, is believed to be built in the year 1505 A.D. By that time Kudamaloor parish became extended to the surrounding places like Kumarakom, Kiliroor, Iykarachira, Edackad, Parampuzha, Mudiyoorkara, Arpookara etc.
St. Alphonsa, whose maiden name was Annakutty, was born on 19th August, 1910 as the fourth child of Joseph and Mary Muttathupadathu. She was baptized at the local parish church on 27th August of the same year. The baptismal font where the saint was baptized is still kept as a sacred treasure in the old church, which is a site for the pilgrims to visit. Annakutty received the First Holy Communion on 27th November, 1917 in this church.
The house where St. Alphonsa was born and brought up has become a Pilgrim Centre under the name “Alphonsa Bhavan”. Mr. Joseph Muttathupadathu, the venerable father of St. Alphonsa was called to eternity in the year 1951 when his elder daughter and family were residing with him. Later in the year 1975, the FCC Deva Matha Province Changanacherry bought the birth house and the surrounding plot of land and converted it into a pilgrim centre. Keeping intact the main part of the birth house, a wonderful protective structure was built encompassing the house. A beautiful chapel also was put up in the same campus. The room where St. Alphonsa was born, the cot used by her, the history of the FC Congregation, the beautifully depicted 20 mysteries of the holy rosary etc. is added attractions to the pilgrims.
Annakutty started her education in the Govt. L. P. School at Arpookara Thonnamkuzhy under paternal care where she studied up to class III. During this time the affectionate grandmother instilled in her devotion to Mary, our Mother and to the Saints. She told stories about saints especially of St. Theresa of Avila and St. Little Flower of Lisieux. Annakutty learnt penitential practices from her father Joseph Muttathupadathu. Grandmother’s advice and the example of her father inculcated in her the desire to become a saint.
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