West Bengal, Federal government pays tribute to Saint Teresa of Calcutta
The ceremony took place on October 2, Gandhi’s birthday. The organization was impressive, with the participation of the highest federal officials and the West Bengal government. There were over 20 thousand faithful, the apostolic nuncio, three cardinals, 49 bishops, 500 priests and 1,000 nuns.
Calcutta (AsiaNews) - The federal government of India paid tribute to Saint Teresa of Calcutta with an impressive ceremony, which was attended by over 20 thousand faithful. The tribute was held at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, Calcutta, West Bengal, October 2, which marks the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. In his homily, the apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal [and soon to be sent to Poland] Msgr. Salvatore Pennacchio, said: "Santa Teresa is a model of compassion, who has dedicated her entire life to the service of the poorest of the poor and at the service of 'humanity".
The great numbers at the solemn celebration displayed the deep affection that the Indian population has for Mother Teresa. In addition to the 20 thousand faithful, the Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari, the highest government officials of West Bengal and the church hierarchy were present.
The Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Calcutta, who welcomed with affection Msgr. Pennacchio, Card. Baselios Cleemis, president of the Indian Bishops' Conference, the Cardinals Moran Mor George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, and Telesphore Placidus Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, besides 49 bishops, 500 priests and nearly 1,000 nuns.
The vice-president of India quoted a famous prayer of Mother Teresa: "The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace".
Those present were reminded that St. Therese is without doubt one of the people who have most influenced the current society. The founder of the Missionaries of Charity was awarded with the most important awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, and in 1979 she won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Savarimuthu P. Sarkar, the Archdiocese of New Delhi, said: "Mother Teresa is a woman of our century. She was a person with a unique charisma. People have various names for her, including 'The angel of Calcutta', 'The champion of the poor', 'The voice of compassion', 'The Saint of the Gutters' ".
Mother Teresa created consensus across the social strata, although she received criticism from the "rationalists" (atheists) who dream of an India without religions. The current Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said: "Every Indian is proud of her canonization. Her message of love continues to inspire millions of people around the world ". Before the canonization ceremony last September 4th at the Vatican, in which the government has taken part with a delegation led by Foreign Minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Mother Teresa spent her life serving the poor and needy in India . When such a person is declared a saint, the most natural thing for the Indians is to be proud of her".
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06/12/2013
