Inter-faith prayer meeting in Prayagraj honours Mother Teresa

Prayagraj, September 5, 2026: Religious leaders and members of different faith communities gathered at St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, on September 5 for an inter-faith prayer meeting commemorating the death anniversary of St. Mother Teresa and reflecting on her legacy of compassion and selfless service.

Organised by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allahabad under the theme, “Compassion in Action: One Humanity, Many Paths of Faith,” the programme highlighted Mother Teresa’s message of love, service and care for the suffering.

A presentation on Mother Teresa’s life and mission was followed by a prayer dance and a floral tribute at her statue.

Representatives of different faith traditions reflected on values shared across religious communities. Acharya Ved Prakash Pandey spoke about the Hindu tradition of selfless service, while Maulana Syed Munawwar Hussain Rizvi highlighted Islamic teachings on love, peace and forgiveness.

Sri Harvinder Singh reflected on the Sikh tradition of caring for the sick and suffering. Bhante Nitesh Vardhan, a scholar of Theravada Buddhism, spoke on mercy and compassion, while Fr. Leo Sequeira highlighted faith in action and selfless service from the Christian perspective.

Cultural performances by students of St. Antony’s Convent Inter College, Prayagraj, and visually impaired students of Divya Jyothi Niketan, Muirabad, were also presented.

Bishop Louis Mascarenhas of Allahabad was among those present, along with former Commissioner Badal Chatterjee, Fr. Walter D’Silva, principal of St. Joseph’s College; Fr. Vipin D’Souza, director of Nazareth Hospital; Fr. Valerian D’Souza, director of the Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue; and Sr. Lizy, superior of the Missionaries of Charity community at Muirabad.

The organisers felicitated the guest speakers and the Missionaries of Charity Sisters for their continued service to the poor and vulnerable in the spirit of Mother Teresa.

In his benediction, Bishop Mascarenhas called on participants to embrace humility and translate compassion into concrete action in their daily lives. He also stressed the importance of sustained inter-faith dialogue in promoting brotherhood, harmony and peace in society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter