'Mother was already a saint for us'

Expressing delight over the Pope's announcement regarding the canonisation of Mother Teresa, the Catholic Christian community here on Tuesday said she was already a saint to them.

"I am delighted that Mother Teresa's canonisation has been fixed. She was already a saint for all of us, but the final official seal was something that most of us had desired," John Dayal, a former president of the All India Catholic Union, told IANS.

"Her canonisation underscores the importance of love for the marginalised, the victims of disease, the destitute and the homeless. This will give a fillip to social work by not only the Church but also by people of all faiths," he added.

Father P. Sahayaraj, deputy secretary, Regional Bishop Conference (North), said the Mother's canonisation was "great news".

"It feels very great after hearing that Mother Teresa is being granted sainthood. It should have come much earlier. We all are excited, waiting for the day," Sahayaraj said.

"It will be a boost to the Indian church because we are celebrating the year of mercy called by Pope Francis. Mercy will have much more meaning now," he added.