Mother Teresa’s 28th Death Anniversary Marked with Inter-Faith Prayer at Mother House

Isaac Harold Gomes –

Kolkata: The Laity Commission and the Commission for Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Calcutta on September 5 organised an Inter Faith Prayer at Mother House – Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata on the 28th death anniversary of Mother Teresa and Teachers Day. The theme of the event was “Pilgrims of Hope” in line with the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025.

Sr Christine from the Missionaries of Charity led the audience in singing “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” at the end of the program.

Sr Christine of Missionaries of Charity

The event featured a galaxy of experts on inter-religious understanding who shared their perspectives on the common refrain: “Service to Humanity is Service to God; all things belong to God; faith and hope go hand in hand.”

Fr Francis Sunil Rosario, who handpicked the panelists, emphasized the need to live in hope despite current turbulent times and remain positive as “We are Pilgrims of Hope.”

Fr Michael Biswas who was to speak on the theme, couldn’t turn up as he was indisposed. His speech was read out by Fr Sunil. The gist of Fr Michael’s speech was in times of division and uncertainty, our world needs more opportunities for reflection, understanding and unity. It dwelt on Pope Francis’ encyclical Specs Non Confundit which means Hope Doesn’t Disappoint Us.

Archbishop Thomas D’Souza who stayed throughout the two-hour programme read a passage from the Gospel and prayed for the Church and society.

The speakers shared gems of wisdom from their respective faiths:

Mr Anwar Premi (Islam): In Islam, serving humanity is a duty. If one has to choose between prayers and attending to someone in distress, the latter should be done first. Men and women are equal in Islam, with the only difference being the fear of God. In Islam men and women are equal, there is no difference. He reiterated all the communal differences, problems and hatred we see today, are not the creation of Islam but it is our creation.

Dr Ms Namrata Kothari (Jainism): We shouldn’t hurt anyone with our words, deeds and thoughts. All religions share the same philosophy. Service to humanity is service to God. Peace is not external, it is to be internalized. Emulating Christ’s servant-leadership, she said washing each other’s feet is very important.

Mr Jasmit Singh (Sikhism): Sikhism urges one to be always optimistic in all situations because God is always benevolent. It believes in justice and equality. A person can either be a saint or a soldier – situation will decide which one will be one’s role for upholding the truth and justice.

Ms Sabina Ali (Islam): Hope is a vital component of faith. Islam offers a blueprint for living in hope and purpose to meet global challenges and environmental degradation. It talks of a world where peace, compassion and justice coexist.

Swami Ashima Ananda Puri (Hinduism): Jesus, Buddha and Mahavir were great teachers who taught us to love others. Peace is within us, we do not need to search for it in places of pilgrimage. One who hasn’t experienced peace, cannot give peace to others. He spoke on Moksha Shastra – which helps us seek solace from all suffering due to our restlessness. Though we see light, yet we pray “From darkness lead us to light” because the normal light cannot remove the darkness within us. He said to see light we have to give up our desires and practice prayer, meditation and detachment.

The event also featured performances by the Lavinia House girls and Saswati Basu Mullick and team, adding to the solemn occasion.

The Inter-Faith Prayer was a fitting tribute to Mother Teresa’s legacy of compassion and service, reminding us of our shared responsibility to be “Pilgrims of Hope” in these challenging times.