ASIA/INDIA - The Bishops: "Mother Teresa, a fully Indian saint"

Thursday, 1 September 2016 mother teresa local churches poverty justice year of mercy

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New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - "The canonization of Mother Teresa is an important event for India. We are grateful to the government for its support regarding the ceremony on September 4 at the Vatican. It is an important day for the world, especially for Indians, since Mother Teresa came here from Albania to sow the values of the Gospel to reach millions of people in the suburbs, going beyond the boundaries of caste, creed and religion": this is what the general Secretary of the Indian Bishops' Conference, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas said during the presentation of Mother Teresa’s figure in Delhi and the event of the canonization that takes place on September 4 at St. Peter’s.
As Fides learns, Mgr. Mascarenhas continued: "In India we have become richer thanks to her poverty and humility, we are blessed thanks to her compassion. She lived among us by generously donating mercy to all those who needed it". "Mother Teresa - notes the Secretary of the Indian Bishops - merged the values of the Gospel with Indian values, devoting herself to the poorest of the poor. And the Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi said what many Indians think: Mother Teresa is 'our' saint".
The Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto, illustrating the different stages of the beatification and canonization process, said that "it is not the Pope who gives holiness but God alone, while the Pope facilitates the process on behalf of the Church and the people of God". Mother Teresa had been declared a 'Servant of God' in 2003: "Today we rejoice for the proclamation of her holiness that deeply touches our country and our Church", added Mgr. Couto.
"Mother Teresa continues to inspire Caritas India, in the commitment to reach the most needy and marginalized people with love and compassion", said Fr. Paul Moonjely, Deputy Executive Director of Caritas India which now provides assistance, food, clothing, shelter and comfort to six million people in need in India such as displaced people, Dalits, tribal, people with disabilities and migrants. "Following her example we have chosen the motto: 'Do not leave anyone behind', choosing to take care of the excluded and disadvantaged in every corner of the country", he concluded. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 01/09/2016)