Kolkata Christians pray for Mother Teresa's canonisation

Christians in Kolkata are fervently praying for the canonization of late Mother Teresa whose tenth death anniversary falls on next month – September 5.

The late Mother was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title “Blessed Teresa of Calcutta” following her death.

Kolkata Catholics starting today are earnestly praying and hoping that the canonisation of Mother Teresa can be held the soonest possible. The Catholic Association of Bengal (CAB) has also decided to make the year 2007 the "Year of the Canonisation of Mother Teresa.

Celebrations starting today will begin with the triduum and the novena leading up to September 5, tenth anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death, and will continue till September 23.

“More than three years have passed since the title of ‘Blessed’ was conferred on our beloved Mother Teresa. During her life Mother was a living saint to many. There is no doubt that she is already a ‘saint’ to many more around the world,” CAB Chairman Eugene Gonsalves told AsiaNews.

“We shall welcome everyone, poor and rich alike, as she did, without distinctions of faith, nationality or caste,” the CAB chairman added.

Starting with today’s Eucharistic function, the year for Mother Teresa’s canonisation begins.

Celebrations will also be held on August 26, this month, which is the birthday of Mother Teresa.

Akie Abe, wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who is on an official tour to India, visited the Mother Teresa's Home in Kolkata yesterday.