Kolkata: Thousands of people from various religions joined a procession to celebrate Mother Teresa’s canonisation.
The “Mother Walk” on September 24 began from near the Loreto School in central Kolkata’s Entally and ended at the global headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, a Catholic religious order for women founded by the Nobel Laureate nun.
Members of the All Faith Forum joined the procession, as Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain religious leaders walked under an afternoon sun.
Missionaries of Charity nuns living in various houses in the city participated in the 2.2 km walk. Children carried pictures of Saint Teresa and placards saying “Mother – We Love You”.
A number of foreigners also joined the walk.
The rally was part of the post-canonisation celebrations to pay tribute to Saint Teresa and spread her message of peace and kindness, reports ndtv.com.
Vice President Hamid Ansari has agreed to be the guest of honor at a civic tribute the Indian Church plans on October 2.
An all-faith prayer, an art exhibition, and thanksgiving Mass precede the tribute to St. Teresa. A cultural program and a homage to mother have also been lined up on the occasion.
The programs would continue till October 4.
Mother made Kolkata her home and workplace for 68 years since 1929. She was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
A year later, she received the Bharat Ratna (jewel of India), India’s highest award.
Pope Francis canonized her on September 4 at a ceremony in the Vatican.
She was beatified in 2003 by then Pope John Paul II, who had waived the customary five year waiting period after a person’s death before the start of the sainthood process.