Pics: Joshwa D'souza
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Sep 17: The Father Muller Charitable Institutions paid tribute to Saint Mother Teresa by lighting candles to her statue in its medical college premises on Saturday, September 17.
The Vicar General of Mangaluru diocese and vice-president of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Msgr Dennis Moras Prabhu lit the candle followed by other dignitaries.
Former director of Father Muller Institutions, who was the director of the institutions when Mother Teresa graced over the centenary celebrations of the Father Muller hospital in 1980, Fr Peter Noronha shared his memories of the mother with the gathering.
“Mother's visit to the city had excited masses. It was matter of concern for all of us during mother’s visit as many had gathered in Mangaluru central railway station to welcome her who was coming from Kerala.We got the confirmation that it would be tough for us to bring Mother Teresa safely outside the railway station. So I along with the then Bishop Dr Basil D'souza went to the Kasargod railway station and brought her along with us in Bishop’s car to the city.” Fr Noronha said.
“She was given the accommodation in one of the convents in Bendore and every moment spent with her in the car is still fresh in my memory. It was really a thrilling experience.” Fr Noronha added.
“People were thronging to the centenary celebration programme and there was not even extra inch of space for the incoming people. Looking at this, we requested the public officials to permit us to organise a public gathering at the central maidan and it was the dream come true for many. Even though she was not a familiar face, many believed that she was a living saint then.” Fr Noronha said.
Vicar general of Mangaluru diocese Msgr Dennis Moras Prabhu said, “She was known to many even though they had not seen her. Hence when she visited the city, people thronged in large numbers to see her. Mother saw Christ in suffering people. She used to always say ‘The people in pain are the face of God. Hence they are my brothers and sisters.’ If she wasn't the inspiration for many in India, not many things would have been done for humanity in India.”
Speaking on the occasion, Sr Bernadetta, the superior of Missionaries of Charity convent in the city said, “Let us spread peace in the world by spreading compassion and love of Christ. It was her motto and it is something that she believed in.”
Director of the Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Fr Patrick Rodrigues welcomed the gathering while the administrator Fr Richard Coelho rendered the vote of thanks.
A documentary about Mother's visit to the hospital was also shown on the occasion.