Ahmedabad: September 5th marked another death anniversary of Mother Teresa of Kolkata who died in 1997. The day was observed as a feast day of Mother Teresa by the Catholic Church all over the world and as the “International Day of Charity” by the United Nations. In Ahmedabad, several citizens from all walks of life and religions gathered in the morning at the ‘Mother Teresa Chowk’ to pay homage to the Saint of the poorest of the poor.
Led by some of the inmates of ‘Shanti Nilaya’ (the Mother Teresa Ashram for the dying destitute) and the children of ‘Shishu Bhavan’ (the home for abandoned children), floral tributes were paid to Mother Teresa. Having a Mother Teresa Chowk in the heart of the city was a landmark decision taken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation under the leadership of the then Mayor (late) Aneesa Begum Mirza in 2005. The dedication ceremony of this chowk was performed by His Holiness Maheshwardasji Maharajshri, the Mahant of the Jagannath Temple in the presence of several dignitaries of the city.
On Saturday, at the ‘Shraddhanjali’, Sr. Clare Agnes, a Missionary of Charity shared a bit of the life of Mother Teresa and her joy to follow in Mother’s footsteps, very specially in her compassion and service to the poorest of the poor. She narrated the example of how a poor dying man was left at the gates of ‘Shanti Nilaya’ three days ago and how the Sisters took him in and cared for him just as Mother Teresa would have done.
Archbishop-elect of Gandhinagar Thomas Macwan called upon all to emulate the life and works of Mother Teresa specially in reaching out to the least of our brothers and sisters. The staff of St. Xavier’s Social Service Society sang songs of solidarity and compassion. Fr. Cedric Prakash sj, Director of ‘PRASHANT’ then thanked all, very particularly the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and hoped that Mother Teresa bless all in every endeavour.
All those present went home with a feeling that Mother Teresa needs to be emulated today more than ever before!