TheHallowian-2021Vol2 - Flipbook - Page 11
160 STORIES
One Hour with Mother Teresa
Julia Matthews (Vandeleur), School Captain, Class of 1981
In 1981 All Hallows’ had the privilege of receiving a visit from Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
It was an incredible experience for the entire community as she had been honoured with the Nobel
Peace Prize in 1979. There was a sense that we were in the presence of a living Saint. Indeed, Mother
Teresa was canonized as a Saint in 2016 by Pope John Paul II. Although a gigantic figure of faith and
charitable works, in person, Mother Teresa was very small in stature. Her delicate physical frame
reflected her plain humility.
I remember clearly watching as she stood on an elevated podium on the Terrace where she addressed
the girls about her vital work with the poor in Calcutta (now Mumbai). Three or four other Sisters from
the order stood beside her. She spoke very little English and an interpreter translated her speech as
we all listened intently. She carried a small leather suitcase which held 2 white and blue cotton cloth
dresses. This was the simple style we recognised from all the images we’d seen of her. She had a single
pair of leather shoes and I remember her feet looked tired and worn. For us girls these belongings
seemed so sparse, yet Mother Teresa spoke of the richness and reward she experienced doing her work
with the poor, God’s work.
My eldest daughter travelled to India in 2011 and she was struck by the poverty in the cities. I was so
proud to share my close encounter with Mother Teresa with her; the work she had done in her lifetime
and the enduring legacy of the missionaries that continue her work to this day.
As young women at All Hallows’ we were blessed to meet Mother Teresa. As 17 year old senior students,
we stood at the crossroads awaiting to enter the wider world. That hour with Mother Teresa was a
shaping influence on our fledgling journeys to live
Christ’s ministry in the real world. I am forever
grateful for the experience.
Here Comes the Sun...
Another Perspective on
Mother Teresa’s Visit
Dr Elizabeth Crane, Class of 1984
Grade 9, 1981, the whole school assembled
along the driveway, on the Terrace nearest to the
convent and on the convent stairs…
It was a drizzly, rainy grey day...exiting the car to
our cheers and the beaming smiles of the Sisters
and the Principal, was Mother Teresa...
And I have a very distinct memory of the sun
coming out just at that moment.
2021 | The Hallowian
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