Commemoration of Mother Teresa’s Day of Canonisation – Singing of “We Are One”

The “Commemoration of Mother Teresa’s Day of Canonisation” was held at St Paul’s College on 27th November. This event was organised by the New Zealand Mother Teresa Inter-faith Committee. The commemoration ceremony included lighting of candles, performances and showing film footages of Mother Teresa’s past.

This event was joined by Hon Phil Goff, Auckland Mayor; Inspector Joe Tipene, Iwi Liaison Officer; Sanjiv Kohli, Indian Ambassador; Bishop Patrick Dunn, and leaders of various religions in Auckland, altogether 200 people in attendance. The Fo Guang Shan representatives included Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Rulian, Stephen Yu, BLIA North Island President; BLIA members and BLIA youths, a total of 20 people.

On stage the Hon Phil Goff thanked Mother Teresa for her actions and ideals of promoting “peace and love”. She sought to create a better world by leading the masses to do what is kind and beautiful. He also iterated that this day of commemoration isn’t about differences, but about inter-faith and cultural dialogue, and maintaining a bright path of righteousness.

He was then followed by special guest Mr Gautam Lewis, the Founder and CEO of Freedom in the Air Flight School. Who shared his experience of having been rescued by Mother Teresa since he was an orphaned baby who also suffered from polio. He was then raised in New Zealand, studied in England and eventually starting the Freedom in the Air Flight School, which specialises in teaching disabled people to pilot planes and research about the aviation field. Gautam reminisced that: “I have vivid memories of my last meeting with Mother Teresa. She reminded me to never give up while following my dreams.” He expressed that even though Mother Teresa doesn’t need his gratitude and praise, he will still remember to not let her down after she has turned his life around by saving him.

The event was concluded with a dancing and singing performance by BLIA YADs called “We are One”. This song expressed the message of “Living Together with Oneness”, which was often promoted by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The performance showed the audience how Humanistic Buddhism has benefited local society through education, culture and multiculturalism. It received much applause.