India, Bhopal, June, 2015 :
Holy Mass was offered at St. Francis Of Assisi Cathedral Church, Jahangirabad, Bhopal in the memory of Sister Nirmala , Mother Teresa’s successor and former superior general of the Missionaries of Charity who was called to her heavenly reward on Tuesday morning.
The Archbishop of Bhopal, Dr. Leo Cornelio, large number of priests and a sizable 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.
Dr. Leo Cornelio, Archbishop of Bhopal said that, Sr. Nirmala was a great soul. She was a true follower of Mother Teresa 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 Teresa was a herculean task; yet, Sister 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”, he added.
Sister Nirmala Joshi born in Ranchi to a Brahmin family. An MA in political science and a trained lawyer, Sister 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.
Sister Nirmala was re-elected for a third term on March 13, 2009, but the MoC 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 honoured with India`s second highest civilian order Padma Vibhushan in 2009 for her services to the nation.