The Vigil Service for the canonization of Sr Alphonsa, on Saturday 11th October to be held in the 17th century Church of SS. Biagio e Carlo ai Catinari, near Torre Argentina, is organized by the Indian Priests, Sisters and Brothers Union (IPSBU).
The two hour programme starting at 5 pm will consist of a short documentary film on the life and message of Bl. Alphonsa followed by a Lectio Divina and a reflection by Dr. Jacob Srammpikal SJ director of Centre for Communication Studies at Gregorian University and former director of NISCORT (National Institute of Social Communications Research and Training), New Delhi.
“His eminence Cardinal Ivan Dias, Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, Major Arch Bishop Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, and Mother Ceelia the FCC have assured their presence at the meeting,” says the newly elected president of IPSBU, Fr. Thomas Marottipparayil OCD doing doctoral studies at the Gregorian.
“We would specially pray for the persecuted church in India, particularly in Orissa, reeling under the pain of the communal carnage which is taking place since 24 August,” adds the Carmelite priest representing IPSBU established in 1950 and has over 1,700 members in Rome.
