Missionaries of Charity celebrate sainthood announcement

After Pope Francis announced Sept 4 as the date of Mother Teresa’s canonization in Rome, the Missionaries of Charity nuns and Catholics in Kolkata are planning a series of cultural and interfaith events to celebrate the canonization.

The congregation, headquartered in eastern city of Kolkata, will be scheduling events in collaboration with Calcutta Archdiocese.  "The dates and venues are yet to be finalized. We will start with a thanksgiving service," Sunil Lucas, president of Signis India, a world Catholic communications association said.

Sr. Prema the present Superior General expressed her joy and gratitude to God and the Pope over this good news.   Archbishop Thomas D'Souza of Calcutta in his homily said Mother Teresa drew people of all castes and creed. He said it was only appropriate that she will be canonized during the Year of Mercy.

At the age of 87, she died on Sept. 5, 1997, in Kolkata, where she had worked tirelessly for decades with the poor of the city. Her canonization process began two years later. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 2003. Her tomb at the motherhouse has become a pilgrimage center.

Mother Teresa has been hailed globally for her works of mercy and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.  (ucanews)