The Georgia Bulletin

Sat, Nov 22, 2008


What I Have Seen and Heard - Archbishop Gregory's Weekly Column

Nuns mark Mother Teresa's birth, pray for victims of twin blasts

Published: 2007-08-28

CALCUTTA, India (CNS) -- The head of the Missionaries of Charity prayed for victims of the Aug. 25 bomb explosions in Hyderabad, India, during this year's commemoration of the birth of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. "We need to pray that those responsible realize their wrongs. We should also ask pardon from God for those involved and pray for their repentance," Mother Teresa's successor, Sister Nirmala Joshi, told reporters Aug. 26, the 97th anniversary of the birth of the Missionaries of Charity founder. "We need to pray for the families lost, and we need to pray that God gives them comfort and courage." Twin blasts the previous day killed at least 42 people in Hyderabad. Some officials said they suspect Islamic terrorists were to blame, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency. The explosions went off almost simultaneously in a restaurant and at an outdoor laser-show arena. Police reportedly defused 19 more bombs hidden in plastic bags at bus stops, cinemas, road junctions and pedestrian bridges across the city.