Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and top leaders of various political and social outfits hailed the canonisation of Mother Teresa on Sunday.
The Prime Minister said the sainthood of Mother Teresa is a proud moment for the country. "Sainthood of Mother Teresa is a memorable and proud moment," he tweeted uploading his speech on her canonisation, during his recent 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address. Modi is currently in China to participate the G20 Summit.
In his radio address, Modi had praised the nun, who became a global icon because of her work with the dying and destitute of Kolkata
Congress president Sonia Gandhi hailed the canonisation of Mother Teresa saying it was a recognition of her service to the poorest of poor, the dying and destitute. Describing the life of Mother Teresa as "an epitome of grace, compassion and love", Gandhi said that "her saintly life will forever inspire humanity to commit to the cause of those who have no voice, no community, no home, no care and no love."
Hailing Teresa, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "A symbol of service and compassion. Mother Teresa showed the world the extraordinary power of love. We celebrate today that enduring legacy of love."
Meanwhile, nuns of the Missionaries of Charity cheered loudly, clapped freely and rang bells the moment Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa a saint. Decked up with larger-than-life posters of the late Roman Catholic nun, the Mother House, headquarters of the congregation and house of the saint, was kept open throughout the day as visitors poured in to watch the ceremony live on big TV screens and offer flowers at her tomb.
In the afternoon when the Pope declared the 'Blessed Teresa of Calcutta' a saint in the Vatican City, the nuns and visitors present in the Mother House broke into a loud round of applause. The nuns were not shy in cheering for the Mother in a loud voice and ringing bells in her honour.
There was special mass at 6 am to celebrate the day before breakfast. Nuns decorated the Mother House with flowers, portraits of Teresa and lights. One wall decoration read, "Saint Teresa of Calcutta Pray for Us".