To celebrate the canonisation of Mother Teresa by Pope Francis, more than 900 devotees gathered at St Mary's Avondale in Auckland in the presence of the Missionary of Sisters nuns and priests for a Thanksgiving Mass.
Sr Agnes Joseph, Superior of the Mother Teresa Sisters in Auckland carried the relic of Saint of Teresa of Calcutta in a solemn procession recalling the holiness of the saint and her services for the poor. This was preceded by a liturgical dance accompanied by a song in Bengali on Mother Teresa.
Rev. Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland, who was the main celebrant, spoke about the spirituality of Saint Mother Teresa in his homily.
Fr. Mathew Vadakkevettuvazhiyil Parish Priest of St. Mary’s welcomed the Bishop and the gathering and said that we were blessed to be a part of the mass.
Wenceslaus Anthony, Chairperson of Mother Teresa Celebrations Committee, in his introductory address, said that Mother Teresa said that the present age marked by a “globalisation of indifference” can learn a lot from this humble and petite nun. He added that the most important element of Mother Teresa was her love for god. She began and fulfilled her mission as a direct response to god asking her to "bring Him” to the dark and empty places in our own lives and those who do not know him.
A faithful present gave a powerful testimony on Pro-Life, which was dear to Mother Teresa.
Sr. Agnes Joseph said that it was a day of celebration in the history of the Missionaries of Charity in Auckland and they were thankful to god for this blessing of canonising their foundress St. Teresa.
This was followed by a festivity in the hall where devotees shared supper. The celebrations concluded with a play by St Mary's Youth on the life of Mother Teresa and a cultural dance by the Burmese Community performed a lively cultural dance.