"If I am ever made a Saint, I will be Saint of the Darkness," Mother Teresa had said in her lifetime. Today, as she is being canonised in Rome, Kolkata celebrated her life.
The canonisation service for the tiny nun - one of the most influential women in the church's 2000-year history - will be led by Pope Francis in front of St. Peter's basilica.
Thousands poured in to pay respects to Mother, who is being canonised in Rome and would have been 106 had she been alive today. Tomorrow will be her 19th death anniversary.
To mark the occasion, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee - who is in Vatican to attend the ceremony -- presented a bouquet of 106 roses through Cabinet Minister Firhad Hakim. The minister was representing the state government at the event at Mother House, the world headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity.
Famous lines from Tagore, "Baro Asha Kore Esheychi Go Janani" (I come with great hopes, oh Mother,)" were sung to remember the Nobel Peace Laureate's service to Kolkata.
Nuns from the order will be holding prayers at the Mother's tomb, located in the ash grey building of Mother House on AJC Bose Road in Kolkata.
People of all faiths and nationalities turned up to pay their respects. Father Moloy DCosta from the Calcutta Archdiocese, said, "Something wonderful will take place in the Vatican City today as Mother is canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She fills our heart with joy."
Swami Saradatmananda of Ram Krishna Mission, who also paid floral tributes to Mother Teresa, said: "Today we see how Mother had created space for her in the hearts of the world. We should emulate her service."
The canonisation service for the tiny nun - one of the most influential women in the church's 2000-year history - will be led by Pope Francis in front of St. Peter's basilica.
Thousands poured in to pay respects to Mother, who is being canonised in Rome and would have been 106 had she been alive today. Tomorrow will be her 19th death anniversary.
Famous lines from Tagore, "Baro Asha Kore Esheychi Go Janani" (I come with great hopes, oh Mother,)" were sung to remember the Nobel Peace Laureate's service to Kolkata.
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People of all faiths and nationalities turned up to pay their respects. Father Moloy DCosta from the Calcutta Archdiocese, said, "Something wonderful will take place in the Vatican City today as Mother is canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She fills our heart with joy."
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