News: Fr Lorens D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar (SB)

Karwar, Aug 28: "Through her service to the poorest of the poor, Mother Theresa became a mother to the world,” said G U Bhat, a senior journalist from Honnavar. 

He was speaking as a guest speaker, at the public function organized by the Catholics of Karwar to celebrate the birth centenary of Blessed Mother Theresa at Rang Mandir auditorium here on Thursday August 26. “Religion should result in service and not just remain at the level of preaching. All religions preach service. The person who inculcates a spirit of service in his life is a great person.

Expressing his deep appreciation for the service rendered by Mother Theresa to the community, he said, “The name of Mother Theresa will remain alive as long as the spirit of service lasts in this world. Inspired by her example, many organizations are engaged in the service of the needy.  God has blessed us with a heart to love and hands to serve, therefore let us follow the way shown by Mother Theresa.”

Amar Narayan, deputy commissioner of Uttara Kannada, who graced the occasion as a chief guest, expressed his appreciation for the service done by the Christian community and said, “ Life is meant for service and sacrifice. There is no better service than the social service”.

Presiding over the function, Bishop Derek Fernandes of Karwar, spoke about the life of Mother Theresa and urged the people to see the face of God in every human being as Mother Theresa did.  He said, "Charity begins at home" should be modified as "Charity begins far outside, in the places where destitute and helpless persons can be found, on the road to Jericho."

For Blessed Mother Theresa charity began in the gutters of Kolkota where unfortunate sick and wounded people were abandoned. She picked them up, took them to her shelter, cleaned their wounds, fed and clothed them. People dying on the streets were taken by her and nursed in their last moments so that they could die with dignity and peace. All this she did, inspired by the message of Jesus Christ, "Whatsoever you did to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me". That is the inspiration for all the service that the Christians have been rendering through the ages and are rendering in the present days, he said.

Ganapati Ulvekar, president of Karwar Municipal Corporation was also present as special invitee for the function.

The programme began with a prayer dance by the students of St Michael’s Convent High School. Msgr Simon Tellis, vicar general of Karwar welcomed the gathering. Fr John Wilson, principal of St Joseph’s High School, Karwar, the convenor of the function was also present.

The students of Asha Niketan, School for heraing and visually impaired, performed a skit depicting the life and works of Mother Theresa and a dance by the students of St Joseph’s High school, Karwar, depicted the message of peace and love.

Prior to the function, Bishop Derek Fernades led a procession of about 2,000 people, through the main streets of Karwar town, accompanied by the band and a float on Mother Theresa, to spread the message of peace and love to all the people in the city.