Mother Teresa Birth Centenary in Guwahati

GUWAHATI, Assam, Aug. 29, 2010, 10:50 Hrs (CBCI NEWS/ Fr. Francis Fernandez sdb):

The birth centenary of Mother Teresa was solemnised at Guwahati twice in a row; the first was on the 22nd of August (Sunday), with an evening Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati at the St. Joseph`s cathedral, in the presence of a very big crowd of faithful, priests and religious. This was followed by a function in the cathedral hall during which homage was paid to Mother Teresa through speeches, dances, songs and choreographed items.

Mother`s thoughts were highlighted through a power-point presentation. And then the Archbishop declared open the Birth Centenary Year. Around 500 persons partook of the dinner that followed. Typical of their spirituality and style of life, the Missionaries of Charity were in the background.

The second celebration took place on 26th August, the actual day of the birth centenary of Mother Teresa, at Don Bosco Institute (DBI). It was an opportunity for one half of the DBI students to honour Mother Teresa, since they could not be present for the Sunday celebration. A function was held to pay homage to Mother Teresa, and several eminent citizens of Guwahati turned up for the occasion. The guest of honour was Shri Himangshu Shekar Das, the principal Secretary, Finance and Tourism, Govt. of Assam. The function included dances, songs, poems, testimonies and speeches. The Missionaries of Charity were present too at the event. The speakers shared their personal meeting with Mother Teresa. The students of DBI performed songs and dances to honour Mother Teresa.

Plans are afoot to make this centenary year meaningful and transforming for all sections of society in the city of Guwahati, since Mother Teresa herself has cut across all barriers and has become a mother figure to all.