Monday, September 5 2005 16:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: Mother Teresa's death anniversary would be henceforth observed as `Feast Day' as ratified by Vatican through a decree, superior general of Missionaries of Charity Sister Nirmala said.

"We are happy that she is in heaven and we are happy for her inter-session for us", Sister Nirmala said while observing Mother Teresa's eighth death anniversary at the Mother House here today (Sept 5, 2005). Senior nun Sister Christie said it was day of great joy and prayer.

According to the traditions of Roman Catholic Church, the death of a person belonging to a religious order is seen as a new beginning of her life in heaven. A portrait of the Mother was hung inside the courtyard of Mother House where volunteers clapped and swayed to the tunes of hymns sung by them. Mother House was kept open to allow people to pay their respects and All India Minority Forum held an all-faith prayer inside it.