Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Calcutta (Agenzia Fides) – At the tomb of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, peace is being called for in Orissa. It is the most important prayer being said on this day celebrated in memory of the Blessed woman who has left a mark on India’s history: the prayer for peace and harmony in this eastern Indian state that has suffered violent anti-Christian violence in recent days.
The Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity, in union with the priests and lay members that form a part of their family in their corresponding branches, have chosen to dedicate the feast of Mother Teresa’s birth into heaven (September 5) to fasting and prayer for the Christian victims of violence in Orissa.
According to a statement sent to Fides from the Sisters at the Mother Teresa Center in Calcutta, which is one of the first houses she opened there, the entire novena in preparation for the feast of the Blessed (which began August 27) has been especially dedicated to praying for the Christians of Orissa, asking for forgiveness and reconciliation.
The Masses celebrated at the tomb of Mother Teresa during the 9 days in preparation for her feast day, were offered for peace in Orissa and today, as well, there was a solemn Encounter of Prayer for Peace held at the tomb, which is visited by pilgrims of all ages and religions. The Sisters, along with other Catholic faithful and Hindu believers, have invoked the Mother Teresa’s intercession asking that “love may triumph over hate, and that peace and justice can reign once more in the tormented region of Orissa.”
The faithful gathered at her tomb, where a Mass will be held at 5:30pm today, prayed the following prayer: “Jesus, you made Blessed Teresa an example of steadfast faith and ardent charity, a remarkable teacher of the value and dignity of every human life. Grant that she may be venerated and imitated as a Saint in the Church. Hear the prayer of those who seek her intercession. Today, we ask you for and end to the violence and a return to harmony among the people of Orissa. We ask this in your name and through the intercession of Mary, your Mother and ours. Amen.”
Many Missionaries of Charity have expressed their willingness to go to Orissa to care for the refugees, abandoned children, sick, and wounded, however the areas of violence are closed by authorities and are not accessible to charitable groups and aid organizations. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/9/2008)
