Columbus (AsiaNews) - Celebrations for the centenary of the birth of Mother Teresa were held yesterday across the country. Bishop Joseph Spiteri, Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka, presided at the Eucharist in honour of the blessed in front of 500 people at the Missionaries of Charity Provincial House in Colombo.
"This is a mass of thanksgiving - the nuncio said during the homily - celebrating the centenary of sharing the joy of loving and being loved. We pray to be able to learn more about the love of Jesus, by following the example of Mother Teresa can make this world a beautiful place full of mercy. "
Priyadharshani Rodrigo, a lay Missionary of Charity, told AsiaNews: "Through the Sisters of Mother Teresa I have experienced the great love of Jesus, which prompted me to become a member of the lay order. Every Thursday morning, I help the elderly and children as a gesture of gratitude for the love and the simplicity of Mother Teresa".
Nandan Rajapaksa, Buddhist woman of 62 also attended the mass in honour of the blessed. "I am very happy to celebrate the birthday of Mother Teresa - she told AsiaNews - because, thanks to her love and his mercy, I have a place to live. I can not explain the love I have experienced through the Sisters of the Mother, even though I am Buddhist".
After the Mass, Mgr. Spiteri read out Benedict XVI’s message and crowned with garlands a statue of Mother Teresa.