Blessed Alphonsa Muttathupadathu, born as Anna Muttathupadathu to Joseph and Mary Muttathupadathu on August 19, 1910 near Kottayam, was popular with children.

Nicknamed "Annakutty," she lost her mother early, and was raised by a maternal aunt.

Alphonsa joined the Poor Clares in 1927 and received her postulant's veil in 1928. She also taught at a school in Vakakkad.

Throughout her life, Sister Alphonsa suffered from severe illness, but recovered every time. She died on July 28, 1946 after a painful illness. She is buried at Bharananganam, South India in the Diocese of Palai.

Her tomb has turned into a center of pilgrimage and many miracles have reportedly occurred there since then.

It is expected the Blessed Alphonsa would become Saint Alphonsa in 2008 and Sister Alphonsa would be India's first Catholic saint.