ASIA/INDIA - Park Street in central Calcutta named after Mother Teresa: Christian witness makes its mark in the civil community

Calcutta (Fides Service) - “We are thrilled and deeply moved for this act of recognition of the extraordinary mark Mother Teresa left on Indian society though her service to the poorest of the poor” Father Babu Joseph, spokesman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India told Fides with regard to the news that since December 11 Park Street in central Calcutta is called Mother Teresa Street.
The idea was suggested a year ago when Mother was beatified but it took time for the wheels of bureaucracy to move. Fr. Babu explains: “This is a sign that the civil community appreciated her service. Civil authorities present at the ceremony said Mother was an extraordinary person and an example for all to follow. Everyone in Calcutta is pleased because Mother was deeply loved by all and this event is a tangible proof of the city’s gratitude to this great little Christian woman”.
At the ceremony, presided by the Catholic Archbishop of Calcutta Archbishop Lucas Sircar, Sr Nirmala Joshi, Superior of the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa’s spiritual daughters, who travelled to Calcutta for the occasion said: “Calcutta was the city most loved by Mother. She said it was home”. Centrally situated Park Street was chosen because there Mother opened a small home. One Catholic in Calcutta told Fides: “Now Park Street, with its shops, restaurants and night clubs, stands as testimony of a humble woman who gave her life for God and the poor”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/12/2004 righe 24 parole 243)