Overview of Mother House in Kolkata
Mother Teresa founded the religious order known as the Missionaries of Charity, also known as Mother House, in 1950. Saint Teresa of Kolkata is a Latin Church or a Roman Catholic religious order. The Mother House members offer those suffering from poverty free services. About 4,500 members of the congregation, also known as Sisters, work at the house and have selflessly devoted their lives to serving the needy and the poor. They uphold the vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and helping those who are affected by poverty wholeheartedly and selflessly. Many people have been touched by their generosity and service, and as a result, there are now numerous branches operating all over the world, helping those in need.
Regardless of religion, the missionaries offer free services to those in need. They assist the sick, the needy, the underprivileged, the handicapped, the mentally challenged, the dying, former prostitutes, addicts, those who are homeless, those affected by natural disasters and epidemics, orphans, and children living on the streets. They also operate soup kitchens and schools for underprivileged street kids.
There is a space set aside in the home where devotees can honour Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa’s Tomb and an exhibition showcasing her work through pictures, honours, and publications are both located here. Her sarees, sandals, and bag are a few of the items that are on display. Mother Teresa started serving humanity here, and this is also where she finished. She built a community during her lifetime that still gives selflessly to the poor. It is essential to pay respects to Mother Teresa here once.
Weather: N.A.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Thursdays, 22 August, Easter Monday, 26 December)
Time Required: 1-2 hrs
Entry Fee: No entry fee
History of Mother House
In order to care for the abandoned, starving, homeless, and helpless, Mother Teresa and her students established a small community in 1950. They established a church in Kolkata after requesting permission from the Vatican and began assisting those who had been shunned by society due to their incapacity to care for themselves or others. There were only 12 people in the community at first. In 1965, Pope Paul VI gave Mother Teresa permission to spread her congregation to a number of other nations. This contributed to the congregation’s global expansion.
In 1979, the Brothers’ Contemplative branch was added to the list of congregational homes, and in 1984, the Priest Branch, known as the Missionaries of Charity Fathers, was added. With Father Joseph Langford’s assistance, Mother Teresa founded both, fusing the vocation with the Ministerial Priesthood. The congregation built its first house outside of India in Venezuela before building additional houses in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States. By 1996, the congregations were managing more than 500 missions across more than 100 countries. Mother Teresa left her position in 1990, and her followers took over the congregation after her death in 1997.
Mass at Mother House
At Mother House, Holy Mass is celebrated every day at 6:00 AM in the Main Chapel by Sisters and Volunteers. Masses for pilgrim groups are also scheduled at Mother’s Tomb during open hours. There is a priest present at these masses. The need must be made known well in advance. Additionally, a special mass is said at Mother’s Tomb every Friday at 4:30 PM for the intentions left there. This special mass is followed by a special blessing involving a relic belonging to Mother Teresa.
How To Reach Mother House
Mother House is a well-known landmark in Kolkata and is simple to get to. It is about 2 kilometres from Park Street, the closest metro station. This distance can be travelled on foot or in a taxi. Mother House is also accessible by bus from any location in the city. From the Howrah Railway Station, Sealdah Railway Station, and the airport, there are direct and frequent bus services to Mother House.
