Mother Teresa’s birth anniversary goes unnoticed in state capital

Mother Teresa’s 106th birth anniversary on Friday (August 26) largely went unnoticed in the state capital. There was hardly any event in the city save one at Prem Niwas run by Missionaries of Charity and at Mount Carmel School.

Incidentally, Mother Teresa, a nun who dedicated her life to helping the poor, will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church at a ceremony on September 4.

However, the sisters at Prem Niwas are unperturbed at this indifferent attitude of Lucknowites.

“Mother is an epitome of love and care and we believe that she is loved by one and all. So if there was no function to mark the occasion, it does not matter. But certainly we would have been happier had there been an event,” said Sister Eunice, in charge of Prem Nivas.

At the Missionaries of Charity, there was a simple prayer attended by patients, sisters and a few visitors. At present, 200 patients and old people are housed in the home.

“Mother lives in our heart and we do not demonstrate our love and respect by holding functions, pomp and show. We were happy to host a little prayer with our inmates,” Sister Eunice said.

There was a solemn prayer at Mount Carmel Convent where sisters from the Missionaries of Charity were invited to address the girls. Sister Gloria who met Mother Teresa shared some inspirational stories, narrating how Mother never discriminated between rich and poor and looked after them as her own child. Sister Ahsin also blessed the students.

Principal of Mount Carmel College, Sister Sylvie said, “Students handed over a lot of items for daily use like milk powder, soaps, adult diapers and washing powder for Prem Niwas inmates. The primary section students made maximum contribution. The students happily loaded the goods in a vehicle. It was a good learning experience for our kids.”