The 111th Birth Anniversary of St. Teresa of Calcutta

 

Kolkata: 26th August, 2021 marks the 111^th anniversary of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910 in Kosovo. At the age of 18, young Teresa left her home  to serve the needy. Mother Teresa laid the foundation of the Missionaries of charity in the year 1950. The Sisters of Missionaries of Charity all over the world celebrate the birthday of Mother with special prayer and thanksgiving to God. St. Teresa of Calcutta, being the patron saint of the Catholic Association of Bengal, the President Ms. Angelina Jasnani approached Sr. Prema MC, the Superior General of the Missionaries of the Charity, to organize a prayer service to mark the 111th birth anniversary of Mother. Sr. Prema was gladly accepted and even gave permission for the media and visitors to Mother’s tomb after a gap of one year. The tomb was beautifully decorated with flowers and was shining bright with the glow of tiny lamps lit by devotees.

The prayer service started at 3 p m a t Mother House. The Theme of the prayer service was “Make us your instruments Lord”. People from all walks of life gathered to seek the blessings of Mother on her birthday. The Archdiocese was represented by the Vicar General – Fr. Dominic Gomes. The Dean of Calcutta – Fr. Moloy D’Costa, Fr. Orson Wells, Parish Priest of the Church of Our lady of  Vailankanni and Fr. Devraj Fernandes, Principal of St. Aloysius School, Howrah, were present and presided over the Prayer Service. The program started with a welcome address and message by Sr. Prema, after which the Chaplet of Divine Mercy was chanted by Fr. Dominic Gomes and Fr. Devraj Fernandes and the congregation joined in one voice. After the scripture reading Fr. Orson Wells shared his personal experience with Mother. Intercessory prayers were led by Fr. Moloy D’Costa, and the members of Catholic Association of Bengal shared in interceding for the special intentions for our present time. The intercessory prayers were followed by prayer of Thanksgiving by Fr. Devraj Fernandez and other members of the Executive Committee. The whole congregation thanked God by reciting together the Lord’s Prayer “OUR FATHER”. The prayer service came to an end with a closing prayer and final Benediction by the V.G. Fr. Dominic Gomes and all the priests. Before the final hymn. “MAKE ME A CHANNEL OF YOUR PEACE”, a hymn loved by St. Teresa of Calcutta, Fr. Devraj Fernandes reminded the congregation that we are all called to be channels of God’s love, mercy and peace to the World. Mother Teresa.

The 111th Birth Anniversary of St. Teresa of Calcutta lived her life becoming an channel of Peace, it is our turn now. He commended the great work of the Catholic Association of Bengal is doing in the city of joy in particular and in the State of West Bengal at large. He exhorted the Catholic Association of Bengal to become true channels of peace, love and joy, and work with greater commitment in years ahead. The vote of thanks was proposed by the Treasurer of The Catholic Association of Bengal, Mr. Colin Fitzgerald. He shared his personal experience as to how Mother Teresa intervenes in sorting out difficult matters with ease and continues to guide the Catholic Association of Bengal in the right direction. Our thanks go out to MC Sisters and Sr. Prema for allowing the Catholic Association of Bengal to have this prayer service, which was not only very solemn but much appreciated by one and all.

Fr. Stan Swamy wasn’t quiet when tribals were tortured: Felix Raj

SUBHANKAR CHOWDHURY

He was speaking at a meeting on Sunday, July 25 In protest against the Institutional killing' of the 84 year old ailing jesuit and tribal rights activists Father Stan Swami was not a silent spectator  to the torture that was being unleashed on whosoever dated to question "The ruling powers of India'. said father Felix Raj, the vice-chancellor of St Xavier's University. 

The Vice-Chancellor quoted from a video message of Father Stan:What is happening to me is not something unique, it is a broader process taking place all over the country. We all are aware how prominent Intellectuals, lawyers, writers, poets, activists, student leaders are put in jail because they have expressed dissent or teased questions about the ruling power of India.

He "Father Stan" was happy to be part of the process because he was not a "silent spectator". I am ready to pay the price whatever be it  he said; Father Felix Raj said at the meeting organised by the Paschim Banga Samajic Nyay Mancha, Kolkata Jela Committee and held at Milli al-Ameen College in central Calcutta. His tragic death in custody is termed as a case of judicial murder .... His bail petition was rejected so many times and this proves the inherent weakness of a section of the judiciary.- The 84 year old ailing jesuit and tribal rights activist from Ranchi had died in custody in Mumbai earlier this month while waiting for bail for nine months. since his arrest by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the Elgaar Parishad Case. 

More than 100 people attended the protest meeting following all covid safety protocol. Father Felix Raj described the arrest of Fr. Stan as "politically motivated". 'Looking at the shameful way this senior Jesuit priest had been arrested, I find myself failing to repeat the words of Christ on the cross 'Father, forgive them: they do not know what they are doing'. The arrest was politically motivated.' said the Vice-chancellor who had led a march in Calcutta on October 15 demanding the release of Father Stan. . . . . .