Calcutta (Fides Service) – It is natural for people to treasure the memory and belongings of a loved one who is no longer in this world. On the occasion of a Beatification the relics of the person are usually presented to the Pope and then placed on a special stand for the people present to see and venerate. For the beatification of Mother Teresa on 19 October, the Missionaries of Charity (congregation founded by Mother Teresa) are preparing to bring some relics and personal belongings of Mother Teresa to Rome for the event. Visitors will be able to venerate the relics during the Mass and for several days afterwards
Moreover the Sisters have arranged for a piece of white cloth used for the traditional Sari worn by Mother Teresa to be attached to Beatification Prayer Cards printed for the occasion.
As the date of the Beatification approaches, visitors are flocking ever more numerous to pray at the burial place of Mother Teresa at the Mother House in Calcutta. Not only Catholics and other Christians, but also Hindus, Muslims and other people of good will stand in line to pay homage to the little servant of the poor. The Sisters say that “Mother Teresa’s memory is still vivid and her spirit of service has spread. They see the beatification as a challenge and a responsibility to continue to show God’s love for the poor, as Mother Teresa.”
Today the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity has 710 houses all over the world, 4,500 Sisters, 280 novices, 158 postulants and 130 aspirants working in 133 different countries. PA (Fides Service 30/9/2003 EM lines 17 Words: 241)