Mother's Day Special: A Celebration of Love

Mother's Day is celebrated worldwide to honor and recognize mothers' love, care, and sacrifices. This is a special day to give thanks to the woman who devoted her time from birth and even until adult life. Through the years, the presence of Mothers is always felt in our being, wherever we are and whatever we do.

Mother's Day celebration is unique to every individual and family worldwide. For some people, it is a chance to treat their mother to something special, give a gift, or offer a flower or dinner together. To others, the celebration would mean spending their most precious time despite being busy at work or with the family on their own.

Celebrating 'Mother's Day is also unique to some cultures globally. In the Philippines, people honor their Mother as the"Light of the Household." A Mother gives us the guiding light in our lives, especially when we are young and incapable of standing independently. Whenever we've committed something wrong, our Mother would discipline us through words that can imprint on our hearts. She gives us the answer to get enlightened if we ask a question. Mothers simply want the best for their kids and want them to grow up disciplined and responsible.

In India, where I reside, I have observed that they honor their Mother as God and would give their respect. I have known someone who shared her stories about how she is raising her kids and how much she loves them. She left her job and became a full-time Mom, and she finds glory in watching her kids grow up. She has witnessed how the kids grow up daily; for her, that's the greatest gift she can give them. I salute her for being such a loving and caring mother since not everyone has the power to achieve what she has been doing.

We all have our own experiences of how we were raised by our Mothers. As the youngest of six siblings, I have learned to become intense and persistent in life, no matter how challenging the circumstances. When you are down, you must stand up and start again; never give up. These are some of the wise messages I learned from my Mother.

Somehow, the saying "Mother knows best" is correct. They know what is good for us. They know our ups and downs and always support and guide us.

Motherhood is the most challenging profession. It may not be learned in any academic institution, but being a Mother is instinctive intelligence at work. It's a lifetime commitment—there is no expiry date, but just forever.

When we are in trouble or in deepest despair, our Mother can become a source of inspiration. Perhaps the most muscular woman who believes in us and pushes us to our limits. If we feel weak, she thinks we can do it. If we succeed, she's there to celebrate with us. In our society, people look up to some woman or a Mother figure who has made a significant contribution. They may be simple in appearance, yet they have shown courage and perseverance to become a leader and create a remarkable legacy for society or the world.

In celebration of 'Mother's Day,' I've written about "The Blessed Teresa of Kolkata: Her Life and Mission.". This is my tribute to one of the world's most excellent mothers who ever lived. Like all Mothers, they can make an impact in the society that they live in. One of the most fulfilling commitments is contributing to the community and inspiring people to achieve something worthwhile, just like Mother Teresa's.

Our Mothers are one of the sources of our strength. We have to honor them and let them feel unique and loved. Our existence is one of the most beautiful gifts ever, and we shouldn't forget to give back and fulfill our responsibility of being good sons and daughters to her and our world.


© 2013 Del Cusay

Mother Teresa of Calcutta: Her Life and Mission

"Blessed Teresa did not only show her motherly care but taught humanity how to live in modesty. To live a life in simplicity and remain to be strong when life seems to be unjust."

We often find inspiration in those we admire. Their achievements and purposeful living become beacons of hope, guiding us toward our aspirations. They set the bar high, becoming role models and icons for us to emulate. Mother Teresa's life is a prime example, inspiring us to live with compassion and humility.

When I visited Kolkata, the name that came to mind was not just any name but that of a blessed Mother Teresa. Her life, lived in profound simplicity, was a powerful testament to her humility and dedication. She was not just ordinary but a living saint in the truest sense, a humble example for us all. 

Mother Teresa's impact was felt globally, even reaching a young child in the Philippines like me. Her work, though seemingly ordinary, left an extraordinary mark on the world. Her legacy of love, compassion, and commitment to serving the needy is a testament to the power of human kindness, transcending borders and cultures.

Since I was in Kolkata, I've considered visiting her place: the main headquarters of the "Missionaries of Charity," the Congregation she founded. That was when I saw the outstanding achievements of a simple nun with extraordinary power, now Blessed Teresa.

What could have made her adorable and famous is her selfless love and compassion for the poorest of the poor, the sick, the abandoned, and the dying. In her early years in Kolkata, she was a teacher in a convent school until she felt a calling from the Divine to look after the needs of the poor people who were hungry, homeless, and dying in the streets due to widespread poverty and famine in the locality. Her journey was challenging, but she remained steadfast in her mission. 

She lived the 'Corporal Works of Mercy,' a set of compassionate acts traditionally carried out by Christians, and it has stood the test of time. She fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, visited the sick, visited the imprisoned, and buried the dead. All of these works were achieved by Mother Teresa when she was alive.

Her congregation, the 'Missionaries of Charity,' started with a mission to save the people who needed care on the streets. At first, she had nothing to give financially. However, due to her global recognition as a 'Living Saint' and the power of the media that highlighted her selfless work, they attracted donations from individuals and organizations worldwide and financial aid from different States and Government Agencies.

Mother Teresa used her compassionate nature and charisma to attract the right people to support her cause. From nothing to something, she built numerous age homes, schools, and orphanages, currently operating in more than 120 countries.

Perhaps it was the shortest pilgrimage I had to make to visit the Mother House, where Mother Teresa's tomb is. It is a simple tomb with a chapel inside for visitors to offer a prayer. It is a peaceful place, with people of different creeds coming in to witness the thousands of archives relevant to Mother Teresa's work in the room adjacent to her tomb. 

Visitors will also realize how a Spiritually powerful Nun used to live in simplicity in a small room with a tiny single bed. It made me realize that our living status does not matter what we can achieve. Hence, there is no room for self-doubt about what we can accomplish.

Mother Teresa's service extended beyond the physically poor. She also ministered to those who were 'poor in spirit,' a term used to describe those who are spiritually or emotionally impoverished and in need of love and compassion. Her work was not just about providing material aid but also about uplifting the human spirit, addressing the deeper, less visible forms of poverty. 

Nowadays, people become victims of their lower emotions. Some play the victim in life and degrade people by blaming them for their miseries and misfortune.

Many people feel a deep sense of emptiness despite their capabilities and fortune. They feel unloved and abandoned as if they are victims of a global epidemic of spiritual poverty. Mother Teresa's dedication to love and compassion is a powerful antidote to this epidemic, showing that true fulfillment comes from giving and serving others.

Like all the successful and accomplished people in history, Mother Teresa has a share of unjust criticism from her critics globally. She had been condemned and ridiculed for her ways of leadership with the founded congregation. However, Mother Teresa stood up for what she believed was right. Like in life, people see the opposing sides and have themselves put into an exemption. In the end, no matter what people say and do, the mirror still reflects back, and the ones who do better are ahead of the game of life like Mother Teresa did.

A few years from now, the beatified Blessed Mother Teresa will be canonized as a Saint, and people will pray through her intercession. This future event will be a moment of great reverence and inspiration, as many devotees will come to her tomb for pilgrimage, and once again, people worldwide will remember her name eternally like an immortal Spiritual being, a beacon of hope for generations to come. 

Blessed Teresa showed her motherly care and taught humanity how to live modestly and simply and remain strong when life seems unjust.

© 2013 Del Cusay

The Loving People of Kolkata: The City of Joy

My journey to Kolkata was a fascinating exploration of the rich history and culture of the Bengali people. Once the capital of India under British rule, it later transitioned to New Delhi. The city's transformation from Calcutta to Kolkata in 2001 marked a significant shift in its identity.

The city is hot and humid in summer, considering it is located in a coastal state surrounded by seas and lakes. The weather might be unfavorable to some, but I have the tolerance for its extreme; my country, The Philippines, could even get hotter throughout the year. 

Since Kolkata and West Bengal are blessed with bodies of water, they are lucky to have fishing as one of their sources of livelihood. Bengalis love to eat fish, except for some who become pure vegetarians. 

West Bengal has a good fishing industry and is India's leading fish-producing state. Most of the Bengal population eats fish, just like some of the coastal states of India, like Maharashtra (capital, Mumbai), Bihar, and the state of Kerala in the south. 

Kolkata may be one of the most populated cities in the world, but the population density is lower than I thought. It is relatively quiet compared to the cities of Delhi and Mumbai. Later, I learned that people in the town only travel a little for shopping, outdoor fun, and other activities. Some of the locals would need to think of how big and progressive the kind of city they have is. Some would even think of Kolkata as a typical village with slow-paced living. 

While Kolkata may not boast as many forts, tombs, and monuments as Delhi, the city's historical infrastructure, built during the British Raj, is a testament to its unique blend of British and Indian influences. 

The Victoria Memorial, a magnificent tribute to Queen Victoria of Britain, is a sight to behold. Its architectural design, reminiscent of the Taj Mahal in Agra, with its white marble and Mughal influence, is a true marvel. The well-maintained lawns and gardens only add to its allure. 

The Victoria Memorial

Fort William is near the Victoria Memorial, built as a military headquarters and still serves its primary purpose. Adjacent to it is the Race Course, which hosts one of India's most significant horse race events. It used to be the pastime of the elites during the British regime, but now it is open to everyone. 

Queen's Way Street Park offers a large playground for everyone and is a favorite place for cricketers. It is a pleasant and spacious park, and some statues of built-in bronze are visible. The street was named to honor a Queen's visit to Kolkata on the way to the Victoria Memorial. 

These are just a few of the many good places to visit in Kolkata, and I am grateful that I have witnessed the place's grandeur, even for a short period. What I appreciate most is the history I've learned about the incredible architecture and sites. It is not just what you see that will move you; it also has some stories to tell back in time. 

Kolkata is making progress and developing faster in terms of the local economy. Both residential and commercial buildings are on the rise, particularly in the reclaimed area of the northeastern side of Kolkata.

Due to the lack of available space to support the growing population and the increasing demand for housing, the local government has planned expansion for reclamation projects to benefit the people. 

Salt Lake is also becoming an Information Technology hub, and several Multinational companies have built their headquarters in the vibrant city center. The city is situated in a reclaimed saltwater lake, where it got its name. 

With Kolkata's rising progress, the locals remained spiritual. I have witnessed how they observed the 'Vasant Navrati' or 'Durga Puja,' which celebrates the triumph of good versus evil. Although the spiritual significance is similar to the Holi Festival, the 'Durga Puja' celebration mainly involves prayers and chanting. 

The city of Kolkata may have different impressions on everyone and the visitors, but to truly appreciate and understand a particular place, one needs to travel and be there to experience what it offers. We may think of not-so-good things about the site, but the moment we are there, our perspective has changed and created a lasting memory.

During my short stay, I felt the hospitality and warmth of the people. They treat visitors nicely and do their best to make one feel special. I had a nice feeling and enjoyed the acceptance and treatment they showed. An emotional connection was handled, and there's a substantial soul of the city and the people. No matter what social status they are living in society, they still find some happiness and joy in their hearts. 

In the future, I would love to return to this place and witness its transformation. It is not just the beautiful place but the joyful people who make you feel good and loved that matter most. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay