Mother Teresa’s spirit shared in diversity

Sr Milada of the Order of Missionaries of Charity speaks at the interfaith gathering.

by PETER GRACE
Politicians, diplomats and faith representatives were among several hundred people at the 2014 Celebration of the Life and Work of Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata on November 22.
The annual event was again held in the Church of Christ the King in Mt Roskill.
Auckland City Council senior Maori Adviser Robert Newson gave a traditional welcome to guests. Dame Lyndsay Freer of Auckland was MC.

Sr Milada of the Order of Missionaries of Charity speaks at the interfaith gathering.


A key organiser, Wencelaus Anthony, set the scene, talking of Mother Teresa, her work, her philosophy, her faith and spirit.
One of the speakers was the Bishop of Auckland, Bishop Patrick Dunn. He told guests that the gathering was a wonderful tribute inspired by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. “Because she loved
all people.”
He thought it was significant that it was an interfaith gathering, Bishop Dunn said, “because we
live in a pretty secular society in New Zealand, and in The Herald there was an article by Bob Jones,
and he was saying that ‘I believe in science, because I don’t believe in religion’, and I felt like ringing him up saying, ‘Well, I believe in science too, and I believe in religion’.”
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks put it beautifully, the bishop said. “Science and reason take things apart
to see how they work, and faith and religion put things together to find out what they mean…
“And the biggest question of course is what does it mean? And especially, what’s the meaning of my life?”
Bishop Dunn said those gathered for the afternoon are people of faith, people who strive to be examples of faith, of love, of peace and joy. “Like Mother Teresa… Really love each person created in the image of God.”
There were several breaks for singing, and a reflection on love by girls from the International College
of Auckland.
Other speakers included the High Commissioner of India, Ravi Thapar; the Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Peseta Sam Lotu-Liga; Sr Milada, of the Order of Missionaries of Charity of the Poor; and a vote of thanks by Auckland diocese general manager, Kerry Coleman.

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