Sister Mary Joseph, the newly elected superior general of the Missionaries of Charity, says her global congregation will continue its original mission of serving the poorest of the poor, despite numerous hurdles.
She also asserts that religious conversion is not their agenda as alleged by some hardliners.
Sister Joseph cannot speak for a long time because of some vocal cord problems. Despite the difficulty, she on April 2 shared with Sunil Rosario, Matters India Special Correspondent in Kolkata, how she will lead the congregation founded by Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata.
“I experienced fear and deep shock when my name was announced to take up the leadership. It was not easy to digest. I had never dreamt to lead the congregation one day. I felt I was not the one for the task. That night was a nightmare to me. However, I allowed God to speak to me in silence and prayer. In that dark night, I had the assurance of God that He was calling me to take up the position. It was not my choice, but His choice, at this particular time of history. Thus, I accepted the challenge.” Sister Mary Joseph said “We are not social workers. Our charism is to live for Jesus and for the poor. “When I was hungry, did you feed? When I was thirsty, did you give me a drink of water?” This we do in charity. We utterly depend on God’s providence. God takes care of us.” “Conversion is not our agenda in service of the poor and the under privileged. Only God can convert, as Mother would hold.”