Mother Teresa Visit

Inspired by the works of Mother Teresa, a delegation of St. Paul residents, community leaders, business people and students attended the 1976 Habitat Conference in Vancouver, where the diminutive Sister was a speaker.  There, on behalf of the poorest of the poor, she challenged all to give until it “hurts with love”.  Her message touched and transformed the local delegation who returned home and formed the Mother Teresa Habitat Institute of Alberta.  This would lead to a unique fundraising project, the building of a house with donations of materials and labour, under the direction of the Knights of Columbus as contractors.  The sale of the “Mother Teresa House”, subsequent donation back and resale, coupled with additional contributions and matching government grants, would eventually realize $925,000.  Of this, $350,000 was designated for a new leprosy clinic at Ranchi, India, named “Prem Dan” or “gift of love”.  The balance was to be used by Mother Teresa where needed most.  Her blessed visit to St. Paul on June 24th and June 25th, 1982, was one filled with pride and emotion for the organizers and the entire community.