Ansari rejoices at Mother Teresa’s canonisation

New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) A day after Mother Teresa was officially declared "Saint Teresa" by Pope Francis at a ceremony at Vatican City, Vice President Hamid Ansari on Monday hailed her canonisation.

Ansari in his message marked the work done by the Missionaries of Charity, established by the Mother in 1950 to serve the sick and the poor of Calcutta (now Kolkata).

"I rejoice the canonisation of Mother Teresa," Ansari said.

"In recognition of Mother Teresa’s selfless and dedicated services, a grateful nation conferred on her India’s highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1980," he said.

The foundation operates in 133 countries and by 2012 had more than 4,500 sisters working for it.

"The Mother’s message of love continues to inspire millions of people around the world. People of India are proud of the recognition being accorded to Mother Teresa for her service to humanity and God through this canonisation.

"May her example inspire all of us to dedicate ourselves to the service of the poor and marginalised in our country," Ansari said.