ASIA/INDIA - The Indian Bishops: "We would be happy for the canonization of Mother Teresa"

New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - "Mother Teresa of Calcutta is a universal symbol of mercy and compassion. The Indian Bishops would be extremely happy and grateful to the Holy Father and hope wholeheartedly that the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta takes place during the Jubilee Year of Mercy": says to Fides Fr. Stephen Alathara, deputy Secretary general and spokesman of the Bishops' Conference of India.
The woman who Pope John Paul II beatified on October 19 of 2003 could be canonized in September 2016, said the spokesman of the Syro-Malabar Church, Paul Thelakat a few days ago. The Vatican spokesman, Fr. Federico Lombardi, confirmed the possibility, reporting that the official date has not yet been fixed.
"Mother Teresa gave her life showing mercy and compassion for the poor and the excluded. Her canonization would be a strong encouragement and support for the mission of the Church in India. The Bishops are excited and hope the event will take place in 2016", said Fr. Alathara.
The work of Mother Teresa was recently criticized and delegitimized by radical Hindu groups. "Most Indian people, of all religions, appreciate and love Mother Teresa", remarked the priest. "Her work continues to inspire Christians in the Indian context".
Mother Teresa, an Albanian by birth, received Indian citizenship in 1948. She founded the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity and worked for the welfare of the poor and oppressed. She died on September 5, 1997. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/05/2015)