West Bengal: Missionaries of Charity offer prayers on Mother Teresa’s death anniversary
West Bengal: Missionaries of Charity offer prayers on Mother Teresa's death anniversary
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 5 (ANI): Special prayers were offered at the Missionaries of Charity (MOC) in Kolkata on the death anniversary of Mother Teresa on Friday.
Mass prayers were conducted in the House of the Missionaries of Charity on August 26 to honor the 115th anniversary of the birth of Mother Teresa. The solemn ceremony was attended by nuns, priests, and followers from across India who gathered to pay homage to one of the world’s most revered humanitarians.
Remembering the Saint of the Poor
Archbishop Thomas D. Sousa complimented Mother Teresa, stating that she was an advocate for the value of life and that any act against its dignity or sanctity was wrong. He emphasized that life is valuable and holy, and war, conflict, and violence are contrary to its essence. “Mother Teresa always believed that life must be protected and cherished,” he said. “We should preserve life at every stage and cultivate it with happiness, as we are all children of God.”
His message echoed the core philosophy that Mother Teresa embodied throughout her life — unconditional compassion, humility, and service to humanity regardless of social status, religion, or background.
A Legacy of Love and Service
The Missionaries of Charity is a Catholic missionary community founded by Mother Teresa in 1950 in Kolkata. The order serves the poorest of the poor, offering care and comfort to orphans, the elderly, the abandoned, and the disabled. The organization’s mission is rooted in love and mercy, extending help to those who have been neglected by society.
On this solemn occasion, members of the Missionaries of Charity lit candles and sang hymns in honor of Mother Teresa’s enduring legacy. The atmosphere was filled with peace, faith, and gratitude as they remembered her life of sacrifice and devotion.
Mother Teresa’s Enduring Influence
Born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Albania, Mother Teresa devoted her entire life to serving humanity. In October 1950, the Vatican granted her permission to found the Missionaries of Charity, whose purpose was to love and care for people deserted by society. The order began its work in Kolkata and eventually expanded to countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Today, the Society continues to carry out relief activities in regions affected by natural disasters such as floods and epidemics, as well as among displaced and refugee populations. Through its members and volunteers, the Missionaries of Charity continues Mother Teresa’s legacy of compassion and faith-driven service.
Honors and Canonization
In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. She requested that the prize money be donated to help the needy in India. After her passing in 1997, she was given a state funeral to honor her lifelong service to the poor. In September 2017, Pope Francis canonized her as a Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Kolkata, immortalizing her as a symbol of compassion and love across the world.
Her life remains an inspiration to millions, and the Missionaries of Charity continues to embody her message of kindness and faith in action — reminding the world that small acts of love can make a lasting difference.
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