Mumbai: Not everyone gets two invites to the canonization ceremony of Mother Teresa. But then, not everyone is Usha Uthup.

Uthup has been a long-time supporter of Missionaries of Charity. She attended Mother’s beatification ceremony at the Vatican in 2003. At Mother’s canonization on September 4, Uthup will be a guest of both the Missionaries of Charity and the Vatican.

How did you get to know Mother Teresa?

I have known Mother for 47 years. My association with her began when she was a nun and it has been such an amazing bond since then. I used to visit the missionary to get medicines for my throat from a sister called Amy and that’s when I got introduced to Mother. After I got married, I moved to Kochi and briefly lost touch with her, but when I moved back I had the opportunity to sing hymns for the mission for very many years.

What was it being with Mother?

Her touch was enough to solve my all problems. They were electrifying. Whenever I was angry, sad or disturbed I used to go to her. And she would say, “See what had happened to Jesus Christ.” Her smile and the glow on her face was the medicine for all problems. She would say, “Usha just give me your time, not anything else. She was so tiny, but full of energy. She was such a fast walker and I couldn’t keep pace with her.

You used to sing for Mother …

I loved singing for her. ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Jesus, keep me in the cross’ was also her favourites. Though I belong to another religion, Mother never insisted I follow hers. She never preached any religion; she used to say just sing to make others happy.

Are you performing at the canonization?

At the jubilee of mercy workers in St Peter’s Square on the eve of the canonization I am going to sing Mother’s favourite songs ‘Poorest of the poor’ and ‘Laakh laakh, hazaar hazaar, chahiye Mother Teresa.’

You are known for your silk saris. What are you going to wear for the ceremony?

Yes, that is my signature, but this time my sari is going to be white with blue border – just like the combination in Mother’s dress.

(Source: The Times of India)