The daughter of Thomas and Eliza Wiggins, Julia was born May 26, 1886, in Beech Grove, Ky. She attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy from 1900‑1904. When 20 years old, Julia entered the novitiate at Mount Saint Joseph and following a four‑day postulancy, she received the Ursuline habit and the name Sister Alphonsa on August 23, 1906.
Prepared for the teaching apostolate, Sister Alphonsa’ first assignment was a short one at St James School in Louisville. Sister Alphonsa then taught the upper grades at numerous parochial schools throughout the Owensboro Diocese. Through many of these years she suffered from crippling arthritis, and her students often walked with her to church and back to school so they could be of assistance.
This arthritis forced Sister Alphonsa’s return to Mount Saint Joseph where she remained until her death. She was confined to her room for about five years and was bedridden for several months before her death at Mercy Hospital in Owensboro on July 29, 1963. Following her wake service, vigil, and Requiem Mass, Sister Alphonsa was buried in the convent cemetery.