Mother Teresa’s Legacy Celebrated with Jubilee Documentary “ Prophet of Compassion” at Kolkata

Kolkata, October 8, 2025: Veteran journalist Anto Akkara premiered his 53-minute documentary, Mother Teresa – Prophet of Compassion, at the Archbishop’s house in Kolkata on October 8, marking the congregation’s 75th anniversary. The film, drawn from Akkara’s 1995 interview with Mother Teresa and decades of engagement with her mission, portrays her journey from a Loreto nun to a global icon of mercy, highlighting her bold acts of service. 

The documentary chronicles Saint Teresa’s life, from her 1910 birth in present-day North Macedonia to founding the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, now with 5,766 sisters serving in 754 homes across 138 countries. It highlights her radical decisions, such as prioritizing tribal advocacy over Vatican events and redirecting papal gifts to support the afflicted, embodying her faith-driven mission to serve the marginalized. The film reflects her lasting impact amid declining vocations, inspiring renewed commitment to compassion.

Some important instances from the documentary include her decision to have leprosy patients at Titagarh weave the Missionaries of Charity’s iconic blue-striped sarees, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, persuading the Indian Air Force to plant trees at a Delhi leprosy home and raffling a papal car to fund a Shanti Nagar hospital. 

Mother Teresa redirected Nobel dinner funds to Kolkata’s orphans and chose to address infant killings in Arunachal Pradesh over a 1993 Vatican event. 

The film also showcases her respected bonds with leaders like President Abdul Kalam, Prime Ministers I.K. Gujral and Atal Behari Vajpayee, and Bengal Chief Ministers Jyoti Basu and Mamata Banerjee, who were like “brother” and “sister” to her nuns.

Anto Akkara’s "Prophet of Compassion" reaffirms Mother Teresa’s timeless call to serve the marginalised, inspiring hope as her congregation’s legacy endures. The film’s premiere marks a fitting tribute to 75 years of unwavering mercy.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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