St. Mary's Forane Church
The mortal remains of Saint Alphonsa, the first woman of Indian origin to be beatified, is entombed in a shrine next to St. Mary's Forane Church in Bharananganam. In July, this hallowed ground becomes a beacon for all believers as thousands of people gather here to celebrate the 'Feast of Saint Alphonsa'.
Celebrated from 19th - 28th July, this holy festival falls on the death anniversary of Saint Alphonsa. Candle-lit processions, Novena and special services are held during the nine days preceding the feast. The services on all nine days are conducted by Bishops. On the feast day, the candlelit rosary procession that starts from the shrine church circumambulates the St. Mary's Forane Church and reaches back where it started. Devotees take part in the procession with ardour and afterwards they seek blessings from the Saint and give thanks for the favours received. The entire festival is marked with ardent spiritual enthusiasm.
St. Mary's Forane church also celebrates two other important festivals and they are jointly known as Bharananganam Feast. 'Feast of St. Sebastian' celebrated on the 20th of January and 'The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel' observed on the 9th of November are attended by thousands of pilgrims from all over India.
