Bhopal: Padma Vibhushan Sr Nirmala’s Holy Mass held at St Francis Church, Jahangirabad

Bellevision Media Network

Bhopal, 25 Jun 2015: Holy Mass was offered at St. Francis Of Assisi Cathedral Church, Jahangirabad, here for the repose of the soul of Padma Vibhushan Sr Nirmala, Mother Theresa’s successor and former superior general of the Missionaries of Charity who was passed away on Tuesday June 23 morning.

 

The Archbishop of Bhopal, Dr Leo Cornelio, large number of priests and a faithful participated in the Mass and expressed their condolences. All the churches of Madhya Pradesh too conveyed deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the congregation. The younger generation too was present in large numbers.

 

Archbishop Dr Leo said that, Sr Nirmala was a great soul. She was a true follower of Mother Theresa and had devoted her entire life in compassion and lovingly service of all souls regardless of religion, creed or caste. To take over from the reins of a charismatic person like Mother Theresa was a herculean task; yet, Sr Nirmala did it with all humility and dedication.

 

 

‘Her life of dedication and service especially to the poor is a great inspiration and it is to be pondered upon and to be followed,’ added Archbishop Dr Leo.

 

Sr Nirmala Joshi born in Ranchi to a Brahmin family. She had done MA in political science and a trained lawyer. Sr Nirmala started the Missionaries of Charity’s contemplative branch in 1976 and headed it till her election as the Order’s superior general. She was elected for a second term in 2003.

 

Sr Nirmala was re-elected for a third term on 13 March 2009, but the Missionaries of Charity held a second election days later after she wanted to be relieved of the responsibility owing to ill-health and also expressed a desire to return to the contemplative life she led before heading the order. She was honored with India’s second highest civilian order Padma Vibhushan in 2009 for her services to the nation.