Celebrating St. Mother Teresa’s Legacy
Honoring a Legacy of Compassion and Service
The 114th birthday of St. Mother Teresa is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a time for reflection, celebration, and reaffirmation of the values she stood for. On August 17, 2024, the Mother Teresa Foundation marked the beginning of a nine-day Novena with the hoisting of the holy flag, an event that drew a large gathering of devotees, including beneficiaries and their families. The event was graced by the presence of several respected clergy members, setting a tone of reverence and community spirit for the days to come.
The Significance of the Holy Flag Hoisting
A Sacred Beginning: The Role of the Holy Flag in the Novena
The hoisting of the holy flag is a traditional act that signifies the start of the Novena, a period of nine days of prayer and reflection. This year, the ceremony was led by Rev. Fr. Arokia Baskar, Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Church, Devadhanam. The flag, carried in a solemn procession, was raised amidst prayers and hymns, symbolizing the community’s collective devotion and the beginning of a spiritual journey in honor of St. Mother Teresa.
A Holy Gathering: Mass and Prayers Led by Revered Clergy
Holy Mass: A Celebration of Faith and Devotion
Following the flag hoisting, a Holy Mass was conducted by Rev. Fr. Richard Amaladoss, Assistant Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Idaikattur. The Mass, attended by a large congregation, was a moment of deep spiritual reflection, offering the faithful a chance to connect with the teachings and example of St. Mother Teresa.
Spiritual Guidance: Words of Wisdom from the Clergy
The presence of distinguished clergy members, including Rev. Fr. Ferrington Boobalarayan, Parish Priest of Lourdh Sahaya Annai Church, Madhakottai, added a layer of spiritual depth to the event. Their sermons and blessings provided the congregation with inspiration and guidance, reinforcing the values of compassion, humility, and service that St. Mother Teresa embodied throughout her life.
The Importance of the Novena: A Time for Reflection and Renewal
Nine Days of Prayer: Deepening Faith and Commitment
The Novena is a time for the community to come together in prayer, reflecting on the life and teachings of St. Mother Teresa. Each day of the Novena offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal, encouraging the faithful to live out the principles of love and service in their daily lives.
Community Engagement: The Role of Beneficiaries and Families
The involvement of the Foundation’s beneficiaries and their families in the Novena is particularly significant. It serves as a reminder of St. Mother Teresa’s enduring impact on those in need, and the Foundation’s commitment to continuing her work. The participation of these individuals in the prayers and rituals of the Novena underscores the inclusive nature of the celebration, reflecting the universal message of love and care that St. Mother Teresa championed.
Conclusion: Continuing the Legacy of St. Mother Teresa
As the Novena continues in the days leading up to St. Mother Teresa’s 114th birthday, the Foundation remains dedicated to honoring her legacy. The holy flag hoisting and the subsequent Holy Mass are just the beginning of a series of events that will celebrate her life and work. Through prayer, reflection, and community engagement, the Foundation seeks to keep alive the spirit of compassion and service that St. Mother Teresa brought to the world.
