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LOSSERVATORE-NIRMALA Sep-4-2008 (350 words) xxxi
Head of Missionaries of Charity prays for end to violence in Orissa
By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The superior of the Missionaries of Charity offered prayers to Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, asking for her intercession to stop the violence in India's Orissa state.
Between the Aug. 26 anniversary of Mother Teresa's birth and her Sept. 5 feast day, thousands of people were visiting her tomb in Calcutta, India, reciting the rosary, praying and singing, said Sister Nirmala Joshi, superior general of the order founded by Mother Teresa.
"Even non-Catholics, people belonging to all the religions come to pay homage, praying, offering flowers and candles and imploring the intercession of Mother (Teresa) for their needs and those of the country and of the world," Sister Nirmala told L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper.
In the interview published Sept. 4, Sister Nirmala said she had issued a statement about the violence in Orissa, reminding Indians that religion should not be used to divide people and that "violence in the name of religion is an abuse of religion itself."
She also quoted Mother Teresa, who said: "Religion is a work of love. It is not made to destroy peace and unity."
Sister Nirmala told the Vatican newspaper, "I repeat in the name of our nation and of our noble heritage, in the name of the poor, of the children and of all brothers and sisters who have been the victims of this senseless violence and destruction: Let us pray, let us open ourselves to the light and love of God; put down the weapons of hatred and put on the armor of love; let us forgive one another."
She also offered prayers for the repose of the soul of a prominent Hindu leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, whose Aug. 23 assassination unleashed the violence. While Maoist rebels claimed responsibility for the murder, Hindu mobs attacked Christians, blaming them for masterminding the murder.
"Let us ask Mother Teresa to pray so that we would become instruments of God and of his peace, builders of the civilization of love," Sister Nirmala said.
END
Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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