Kottayam, Friday 13 August 2010: Paying homage to India’s first woman Catholic Saint, Sister Alphonsa, President Pratibha Patil said it was important to realise that the essential message of all religions was universal peace and brotherhood.

“Often, success is measured in terms of material gains and in this race for success, we forget human relationships. We, sometimes forget, that in little things like loving smiles, friendly conversations, in words of encouragement, in sharing our joys and sorrows, there is meaning,” Patil said.

She was speaking on the occassion of the birth centenary celebrations of Saint Alphonsa here. The President pointed out that India had produced great philosophies such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Christianity and Islam arrived in India in the early years of their origin and took deep roots in society, contributing to the social development and participating in social life.

The President was received at the tomb of St. Alphonsa of Bharanganam by Rector of the pilgrim centre Joseph Thadathil.
The President laid the foundation stone for the St. Alphonsa Hospice and Palliative Care Centre and launched a welfare scheme for the needy and financially backward patients suffering from cancer, renal ailments and heart diseases.