Kolkata: 26th August, 2021 marks the 111th 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.
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