Pics: Nayana J C
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Aug 26: The Madhaara Teressa Friends Abhimaani Association (Regd.), Father Muller Road, Kankanady, celebrated the 116th birth anniversary of Mother Teresa, marking the occasion with the launch of its 12th-year service initiatives and presentation of various awards at Pereira Hall in Valencia.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a floral tribute to Mother Teresa’s portrait by Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital; Sr Nancy Priya Mathias, chief nursing superintendent of Father Muller; retired soldier Lawrence Montero and other dignitaries.
A major highlight of the celebration was the formal launch of the association’s new Mother Teresa Dream Home initiative, aimed at extending support to people in need. Financial assistance was also distributed to patients as part of the association’s continued efforts to support underprivileged families and individuals.
Various awards and assistance programmes were presented during the event, including the Mother Teresa Honour Award, Mother Teresa Seva Award, Mother Teresa Humanity Star Award and Mother Teresa Sarthaka Saradara Seva Award. The programme also featured the inauguration of new assistance initiatives and distribution of aid under Mother Teresa Araluva Hoovugalu, Mother Teresa Araluva Pratibhegalu and Mother Teresa Akkareya Aasare.
Addressing the gathering, Fr George Jeevan Sequeira appreciated the association for carrying forward Mother Teresa’s message of selfless service. Recalling her words, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love,” he said meaningful service need not always be on a large scale, as even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.
He praised association members for contributing from their own earnings and using their resources to assist needy families. Their sustained service, he said, was a meaningful way of keeping Mother Teresa’s ideals alive. He urged everyone to continue doing whatever good they could within their means.
Sr Nancy Priya Mathias also lauded the association’s humanitarian initiatives. She said she was impressed after learning about the various services undertaken by members who, despite being ordinary working people with family responsibilities, voluntarily contribute towards helping others.
Quoting Mother Teresa’s message, “Give until it hurts with a smile,” she praised the members for their spirit of sacrifice and service. She compared their collective effort to the Kannada saying “Hani Hani Koodidare Halla” (drop by drop makes a stream), noting that the members’ small monthly contributions had come together to provide meaningful assistance to hundreds of people.
She appreciated the association for transforming modest individual contributions into a sustained movement of compassion and humanitarian service.
Association president Michael Andrade, vice-presidents Prakash Raj, secretary John D’Souza, treasurer Francis Pinto, general secretary Pedric D’Souza, chief coordinator Ronald Fernandes and other office-bearers and members were present.
Through its continuing service initiatives, the Mother Teresa Friends Abhimaani Association has been working to translate Mother Teresa’s message of love, compassion and service into practical assistance for people in need.