Nagpur: a procession for Mother Teresa, "100 per cent missionary"
Catholics and representatives of the Islamic and Sikh communities took part in the event. State (Maharashtra) and Union government officials were also present. The celebration included a torchlight procession and the recitation of the Rosary. A message of blessing from Pope Francis was read.
Nagpur (AsiaNews) – Thousands of Catholics, but also representatives of the Islamic and Sikh communities, celebrated the canonisation of Mother Teresa with a procession organised by the Archdiocese of Nagpur, in Maharashtra.
The event took place on Sunday in the presence of Chief Minister Devednra Fadnavis who praised the Calcutta saint for the works done in her lifetime and her resemblance to the life of the Indian saints.
In his homily Mgr Abraham Viruthakulangara, archbishop of Nagpur, said that "Mother Teresa touched the lives of people of all faiths. She was 100 per cent a missionary and put into practice what she professed, to love until it hurts. "
The procession lasted about an hour. It began outside Shanti Bhavan, the home of the Missionaries of Charity, and ended at the Cathedral of St Francis de Sales.
Along the way, the faithful recited the rosary, sang hymns and offered prayers.
Everyone – political leaders, Church officials, faithful – marched carrying a candle and invoking the intercession of the new saint.
The celebration continued with a thanksgiving Mass, followed by a message read by Fr Jerome Pinto, vicar general of Nagpur, with the blessing of Pope Francis for the archdiocese.
Political leaders from various parties took part in the event. Union Minister for Road transport, rail and sea, Nitin Gadkari praised Saint Teresa for the “care she showed for the suffering and dying”.
The representative of the central government also praised the work of the Missionaries, who "keep alive the legacy of Mother Teresa in many parts of the country and the world."
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