MOTHER Teresa has been replaced by an Indian nun as head of the Missionaries of Charity, the order she founded and led for 47 years which takes care of the destitute and dying, writes Rahul Bedi from Calcutta.
Sister Nirmala (63), a Hindu convert, was yesterday unanimously elected Superior General of the order by a worldwide council of 120 nuns after months of deliberations.
Mother Teresa (86), who was forced to step down as Superior General because of continuing ill health, will remain "Mother" of the order she founded in 1950, and continue to represent its "public face". Sister Nirmala, born into a high caste Brahmin military family and head of the order's contemplative wing for several years, will help Mother Teresa perform administrative and charitable activities.
The Albanian-born Mother Teresa, part educated in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin, and winner of the Nobel Peace prize in 1979, was present at yesterday's election and blessed her successor. The new superior General will be aided by a four-member governing council, which will be elected before the 120 nuns return to their missions for Easter.
The election was celebrated by singing and prayers at Mother House, the headquarters of the order which adjoins a Calcutta slum. Bouquets and garlands were delivered by well-wishers of the order which is highly revered in the city. This morning Mother Teresa will formally transfer authority to Sister Nirmala.