Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and Muslim leaders joined Catholics at the tomb of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta on Sept. 23 hailing her dedication for the poor and praying for her intercession to emulate her work in their life.
The interreligious prayer gathering at the tomb of Mother Teresa is one of a series of events Calcutta Archdiocese has organized along with the Missionaries of Charity nuns to celebrate her Sept. 4 canonization.
Archbishop Thomas D'Souza of Kolkata said the canonization ceremony at the Vatican had gathered people of various faiths. "In a small way, in this holy room where St. Teresa's tomb is, representatives of different faiths have come together to celebrate," he said.
Buddhist leader Buddharakhsit described Mother Teresa as a "pure soul" who "earned respect" through her life and actions.
Jagmohan Singh of the Eastern Region Sikh Mission based in Kolkata said Mother Teresa worked with "godly mercy." Singh said that there is no other comparison for her wok and life in India.
Maulana Mubarak Karim Jawahar, president of the Quran Research Society, said, "Although St. Teresa has left us we can all emulate her."
The archdiocese also conducted a "Mother Walk" on Sept. 25 on a symbolic three-kilometer foot journey from her former Loreto convent in the city to "her final resting place" inside the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity congregation.
Next month, a cultural program and thanksgiving Mass is being organized by the archdiocese as part of a month-long celebration of the canonization.
Archbishop Thomas D'Souza of Calcutta lights an oil lamp along with representatives of other religions at the tomb of St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata on Sept. 25 at the start of an interreligious prayer meeting celebrating the nun's canonization. (Photo by Anne Nigli)