Archbishop of Calcutta: “Mother Teresa: a ray of hope for the poor of India”

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ASIA/INDIA - 

Calcutta (Agenzia Fides) - "In the midst of natural disasters, violence, injustice, and suffering, the 100th anniversary of Mother Teresa comes to bring a ray of hope and joy to thousands of poor, underprivileged, disadvantaged, and marginalized in India." This is what Fides has learned in a dialogue with Archbishop Lucas Sirkar, SDB, Archbishop of Calcutta, today engaged in celebrations, on both a religious and civil level, to mark the anniversary, showing the significance of this anniversary for Calcutta and for all India. 
"The event has received vast coverage in the media, in public opinion, and among civilian authorities. It will certainly help the Gospel message to be made known and better understood in India, making it firm against any misunderstanding, manipulation, or fundamentalist ideology," the Archbishop told Fides. 
Archbishop Sirkar continued: "On the TV, there is much talk of Mother Teresa, but also of Jesus. The message of faith is being transmitted. The fruit of faith is love and the fruit of love is service, Mother used to say. Today, much emphasis is put on her selfless service to the poor, the poorest of the poor. From thence comes a summary of the message that Mother Teresa has left us: We are all called to love Love - who is Christ – present in our neighbor, especially in those who suffer.” 
They are full days for the Archbishop: "This morning, at 6:30 we celebrated a Mass in the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, where Mother Teresa lived. It was a very moving celebration, where we also read the message of the Holy Father and that of the Superior General, Sister Prema. Then, we began a procession with lit candles which was attended by hundreds of faithful of all different religions. A few hours later, we launched the 'Film Festival' that is dedicated to Mother Teresa. This is also a powerful means of spreading her message," he noted. 

Archbishop Lucas Sirkar, SDB, Archbishop of Calcutta

holding pascal candle.

In every Indian diocese there are celebrations, exhibitions, and other events to mark the anniversary. Archbishop William D'Souza SJ, Archbishop of Patna, told Fides that "the presence of Mother Teresa is for India and for the world today is like a new incarnation that brings salvation, redemption, and freedom for all those in strife. Only a person led by God could do what Mother did: gather children, terminally ill, poor and abandoned, and restore their dignity." In the name of Mother Teresa, the Archbishop said, "the Church is always on the side of the poor through works of education, social development, and education. We are a Church that promotes the dignity of the Dalits, the outcasts, that works for social justice, according to Gospel values." 
Archbishop Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore, said: "Mother Teresa, with her mission of mercy and charity, is a model not only for Christians, but for all humanity." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 08/26/2010)

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