Inimitable Mother symbolised selfless service

Sixteen years have gone by since Mother Teresa passed away (September 5, 1997) and the world has become poorer without a noble soul that worked tirelessly and selflessly for the impoverished and diseased.

She was once asked, “Mother, after you have gone -.”

She responded laughingly, “Let me go first. Just as God found me, He will find somebody else. Everything is God’s work and He will see to it.”

These words are so prophetic that the work of Mother goes on not only in India but also in many other countries including New Zealand.

It was gratifying that people of different faiths came together in 2010 in Auckland to commemorate the birth centenary of Mother Teresa, that was being marked all over the world. This group of people symbolised the love and affection that Mother had towards all beings, transcending national and cultural borders.

The gathering has now become an Annual feature.

Politics of Peace

Mother’s total commitment to Peace is summarised by the responses she had given to some questions by Navin Chawla, former Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Chawla: They say that you stand for Peace; they also say whether you like it or not, you are the world’s most popular woman?

Mother: Do they? I wish I was. Then I will bring Peace in the World!

Chawla: Whereas you work to bring about Peace, why is it that you do not work, they ask, to lessen war?

Mother: If you are working for peace, that peace lessens war. But I will not mix in Politics. War is the fruit of politics and so I do not involve myself, that’s all. If I get stuck in Politics, I will stop loving, because I will have to stand by one, not by all. This is the difference.

Gratifying Mother

I am sure that if Mother was alive today, she would be smiling; because this Interfaith meeting in Auckland is devoid of any political affiliation or any particular group, but a meeting of everyone in the name of Peace and Love.

Mother Teresa is not physically present in Auckland but the Interfaith Meet in her name is filled by her spirit; and her aura remains very powerful.

This is evidenced by the large gathering of people from a cross-section of the society, including lawmakers, law enforcers, politicians, diplomats, academics, students, businesspersons, community leaders, representatives of different faiths with a determined purpose of spreading Peace and Love. Young people representing various cultures will offer Musical and dance tributes.

Distinguished Guests

Bishop Patrick Dunn, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland hosts this annual Interfaith Meeting. This year’s Meeting will be held on at the Catholic Church of Christ the King on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 2 pm.

Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Prince of Arcot based in Chennai, India and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English will be the Guest Speakers, while Deputy High Commissioner of India Sanjay Verma will be among the Guests of Honour.

The event is open to all members of the public.

Having known and worked with Mother Teresa, this Interfaith meeting makes me believe that her physical absence is brought closer to people, who believe in the noble service rendered by her during her illustrious life.

Gathering people

She worked for the poorest of the poor and working for the annual event energies and inspires me to seek greater humility and render better service to the society.

I see the gathering gaining momentum year after year, bringing together an increasing number of people from various faiths and vicissitudes.

I know that Mother is at work touching everyone and whispering that we must not spoil God’s work.

We do not work for glory or money. We work for God; for His Peace and Love and thus we see God in the Poorest of the Poor.

Wenceslaus Anthony is the Chairman of the Mother Teresea Interfaith Committee

Photo :

1. Mother Teresa

2. Bishop Patrick Dunn

3. Wenceslaus Anthony