KOLKATA, India (UCAN) -- Prayers for Christians suffering from continued violence in the eastern Indian state of Orissa marked the 98th birth anniversary of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata.

The anniversary program at the Missionaries of Charity (MC) headquarters here began on Aug. 26 with a solemn Mass during which an appeal was made for special prayers for Christians in Orissa.

Church people now say at least 10 people were killed as mobs of armed Hindu radicals ransacked and torched churches, presbyteries, convents and Christian health-care centers and hostels in Orissa.

The violence began after Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and five of his associates were killed on Aug. 23 in the state's Kandhamal district. Maoists reportedly claimed responsibility for the killings, but some Hindu groups have alleged Christians masterminded the killing, a charge all Christian Churches and denominations have denied.

At least one MC house was destroyed in the Orissa violence, a source at the headquarters confirmed.

Sister Nirmala Joshi, who heads the congregation, spoke with UCA News on Aug. 26 morning. She said the congregation has "many sisters" in Orissa, but "so far they are all safe."

Unlike in past years, the nuns and well-wishers sang only one verse of "Happy Birthday" at Blessed Teresa's tomb, and without clapping or cheering. Also missing was a dance the novices customarily perform in the courtyard outside.

The chapel was filled with nuns, co-workers, volunteers, friends, reporters and television crews as usual, but elaborate decorations, gaiety and rejoicing were absent.

An atmosphere of quiet filled the house in Kolkata, capital of West Bengal state, 1,460 kilometers southeast of New Delhi. Blessed Teresa, born in 1910, came to India at the age of 19. Kolkata, formerly called Calcutta, was her base until her death in 1997.

MC Sister Maria told UCA News children from the nuns' Shishu Bhavan (home for children), who usually come all dressed in their best to sing and dance at the tomb, did not come because of "all the terrible trouble in Orissa."

Calcutta archdiocese's vicar general, Father Michael Bhaju, led the concelebrated Mass, during which he appealed to people to pray for peace in Orissa. The MC Sisters' work remains incomplete, he said, as he urged the nuns to keep their founder's memory alive by following her steps in love, reconciliation, truth and gentleness.

On Aug. 27, the MC nuns began a nine-day novena of special prayers to prepare for their founder's death anniversary on Sept. 5. They continue with special daily Mass and rosary until Sept. 13, the anniversary of Blessed Teresa's burial. The program will end with an interfaith prayer meet at her tomb.

Lilian Mandle of Kolkata, who came to pray at the tomb, told UCA News her life has "changed tremendously" since she received inspiration watching Mother Teresa's funeral. She now attends daily Mass at the nun's headquarters and adoration in the evening.

Havilah Krump, an MC volunteer from the United States, "could not imagine Kolkata without Mother Teresa." She said people all over the world appreciated the nun's work.

Another regular at the headquarters is Dolly Pereira from Kolkata. She said Blessed Teresa is "a powerful intercessor" to whom she prays daily for peace in her family. "But today, more so for peace in Orissa," she added.

Blessed Teresa's congregation, founded in 1950 to serve the "poorest of the poor," has grown into a large international congregation. At the time of her death in 1997, the congregation had 3,026 nuns, both active and contemplative, living in 456 houses in 101 countries.

The congregation continues to grow and now has 758 houses with 4,900 sisters working in over 115 nations, Sister Nirmala told reporters gathered for the birth-anniversary program. "Mother's legacy is continuing as they walk according to her teachings in love and service," said the superior, who succeeded Blessed Teresa as head of the congregation in March 1997.

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