July 28th - Alphonsa of India

We do not often think about the Church as it is manifested in countries different than our own, which is of course strange if we call ourselves the "Catholic Church". We often miss the place of India in the Early Church. Tradition has it that Thomas the Apostle went there and so it has a very ancient tradition of being church.
Alphonsa is of note to us for her suffering for most of her life, and for suffering in silence.
The portion of an indigenous population of a country that dedicates itself to Christ, often in the face of fierce opposition should remind us of how we are all brothers and sisters. Alphonsa's silent suffering should remind us to put ourselves into Christ's suffering so that we can quietly help heal the suffering of the world.

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Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. ...Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ [Jesus] will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little.

-- 1 Peter 4:12-13, 5:7-10