By AOHD
KUALA LUMPUR – A team of 12 volunteers, led by the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD), embarked on a mission trip to Calcutta, West Bengal, India. Inspired by the legacy of Mother Teresa and guided by their faith in Jesus Christ, the group set out to serve the poorest of the poor while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of one of India’s most historic cities.
The volunteers were divided among four homes under the Missionaries of Charity: Nirmal Hriday; a home for the dying and destitute, Prem Dan; a home for the mentally ill and elderly, Shanti Dan; a home for women and girls with mental and physical challenges, and Daya Dan; an orphanage for adolescent males with disabilities.
It was a journey of learning and connection. We embraced the rich diversity of cultures and traditions shared by the residents and fellow volunteers from around the world.
The mission was not without challenges. The poor air quality in Calcutta, with an air quality index often reaching hazardous levels of 350 to 370, posed significant difficulties. Many experienced flu-like symptoms and persistent coughs which, at times, made serving effectively a real test of endurance.
Following the routine of the Missionaries of Charity sisters, our day began at 6.00am with Mass, grounding us in prayer and faith. A simple breakfast of milk tea, bread, jam, and bananas; prepared by the sisters; fostered a sense of community and camaraderie. After breakfast, we gathered for prayer before heading to our assigned homes.
From morning until noon, we engaged in doing laundry, spending time with the residents, and assisting those unable to feed themselves during lunch. At midday, we returned to our hostel for rest before heading back to the Mother House in the evening. There, we participated in Adoration alongside the sisters and fellow volunteers, followed by debriefing sessions every other evening. This structured routine balanced service with moments of reflection and renewal, sustaining us throughout the mission.
During the debriefing sessions, we shared our experiences and the challenges we faced. One volunteer serving at Nirmal Hriday recounted the heartbreaking moment of witnessing a resident’s passing shortly after spending time with this person. Others reflected on the bonds formed with residents, many of whom eagerly awaited our visits and were visibly saddened by our departure.
On the final day, as we said our goodbyes, we left with heavy hearts but a sense of gratitude. The connections we made left an indelible mark, reminding us of the power of love, service, and shared humanity.
Two volunteers were privileged to clean Mother Teresa’s Tomb at the Mother House; a sacred task carried out only three times a year. One volunteer described the cleaning process as requiring immense attention to detail. Every element of the tomb’s surroundings; walls, pews, paintings, and other items; was carefully cleaned by hand, ensuring nothing was overlooked.
After the initial round of cleaning, the volunteers took a brief 30-minute break before resuming their efforts. The second stage involved scrubbing the surface of Mother Teresa’s tomb with soap, followed by a careful rinse with water and the final touch of drying it with a towel. While the task appeared straightforward, achieving the precise standards of care demanded nearly two hours of focused work. This experience impacted the volunteers, reminding them of the sanctity of their mission and the legacy of love and humility embodied by Mother Teresa.
The experience in Calcutta was uplifting and life changing. Our perspective in life has shifted significantly after this journey in Calcutta and we are all deeply grateful for all the graces from Our Lord. The team not only contributed through their service but also built connections with the residents and fellow volunteers from around the globe while learning invaluable lessons. – Herald Malaysia
