By Thea Jarvis

The Missionaries of Charity marked the establishment of their Atlanta foundation with an afternoon Mass at the convent of St. Anthony’s parish in the West End Jan. 10.

Seven sisters, who flew to Atlanta from New York that morning, were greeted by archdiocesan administrator Monsignor Edward J. Dillon and chancellor Father Don Kenny. The priests blessed the house and celebrated Mass with the Religious and supporters from the Alleluia community of Atlanta, a branch of the charismatic covenant group in Augusta which has been assisting the Missionaries in their work. Hawthorne Dominican sisters from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home also attended the liturgy.

The sisters are staying at St. Anthony’s on a temporary basis while the archdiocese is arranging their permanent residence.

The Atlanta foundation of Mother Teresa’s sisters is the order’s 33rd in the U.S., according to Sister M. Dolores, MC, regional superior for the eastern U.S. and Canada who accompanied the sisters here.

“We have been warmly received by the archdiocese and are very happy to be here,” said Sister Dolores, a native of India now living in the order’s house in Bronx, N.Y. “Mother Teresa sends her love and blessings to Atlanta.”

The Missionaries agreed to come to Atlanta after Mother Teresa received a formal request from Archbishop James P. Lyke, OFM, last year. They were first invited to the city by Archbishop Eugene A. Marino, SSJ, who wrote to Mother Teresa in 1988.

Atlanta physician Sharne Sheehey, M.D., revived Archbishop Marino’s request when she asked Mother Teresa’s help with homeless AIDS/HIV patients she treats at Grady Hospital’s Infectious Disease Clinic. Dr. Sheehey sought support from Archbishop Lyke since the sisters come only at the request of the diocesan bishop.

Sister Dolores said the community’s ministry here would depend on local conditions.

“We work with the poorest of the poor,” she stressed. “We get to know the people first and their needs.”

During the first week, Sister Dolores said, the little group “walked about in the streets close by,” visiting the grocery store and settling themselves in.

Four of the seven sisters who came to Atlanta will remain here to serve the community. They are Sister Regi Paul, MC, who will act as local superior, and Sisters Jasmin Paul, Marie Cecile and M. Laurita, MC. Sister Dolores will return periodically to give support and encouragement to the sisters.

Father John Salvas, OFM, Cap., pastor of St. Anthony’s who has celebrated an early morning liturgy with the sisters each day since their arrival, believes the presence of the Missionaries is “a witness to the parish.” He said the sisters have already made contact with Grady Hospital and Cascade House, a nearby shelter for homeless women and children.

Dr. Sheehey explained that the sisters will operate independently while linking up with local facilities serving the poor. Grady’s Infectious Disease Clinic will coordinate volunteers for the Missionaries’ ministry, refer patients and provide some medical backup for the sisters.

“The Grady affiliation is very clear,” she said, adding that some specifics are still being worked.

Dr. Sheehey noted that the Missionaries’ “live what they preach,” living only on the donations of supporters and eschewing such luxuries as a washing machine and dryer.

On a recent visit to the sisters’ temporary home on Gordon Street, a guest found quiet hospitality and a serene sense of purpose.

As the sun poured through the windows of the front room, Sister Dolores sat at a formica table with Sister Regi Paul, planning the routine of the community and considering possibilities for service.

In a parlor across the hall, a curtain was parted to reveal a chapel, readied for prayer and liturgy. The Blessed Sacrament was reserved in a side tabernacle adorned by a single red rose. The larger bouquet of roses, a gift from friends, rested on the floor in a plain glass vase.

Sister Dolores recalled meeting with Archbishop Lyke at his Buckhead residence this past November and said the archbishop bore his suffering with great dignity and faith.

Asked if there were anything the sisters needed in their new surroundings, she pointed to the wall where a picture of Pope John Paul II hung.

“Do you think we might get a picture of the archbishop?” Sister Dolores replied.

Those interested in assisting the missionaries of Charity in their work may contact Dr. Sharne Sheehey at 616-2440 or write her in care of the Infectious Disease Research Clinic, 69 Butler St., SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30303.