11 Oct : Government of India has decided to issue a commemorative coin in the honour of Sister Alphonsa who will be canonized by the Pope as a Saint on October 12, 2008 in the Vatican. This was announced by Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram today.
Sister Alphonsa belonged to the Poor Franciscan Clarist Congregation in Kerala. She is the first Indian who will be canonized as a Saint by the Catholic Church. Sister Alphonsa was born on August 19, 1910 and her centenary year will commence on August 19, 2009 and will be celebrated for one year. The commemorative coin will be released on August 19, 2009 at a function to be held in Kerala.