Sister Nirmala Joshi, the first successor of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, passed away.
According to religious news agency Matters India, Sr. Nirmala suffered from kidney failure and other complications. Despite being advised by doctors to undergo dialysis, the she chose to be with her sisters in her final hours.
Following her release from the hospital on Friday, Sr. Nirmala’s health declined and died on Monday after midnight.
Born in 1934, Sr. Nirmala converted to Catholicism and shortly after joined the Missionaries of Charity.
She went to Panama and became one of the first Missionaries of Charity to head a mission. In 1976, Sr. Nirmala started and led the contemplative branch of the Missionaries of Charity until her election as Mother Teresa’s successor in March 1997.
She served as Superior General of the congregation until March 25th, 2009. Prior to her departure as head of the Missionaries of Charity, Sr. Nirmala was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the Indian government’s second highest civilian award for service to the nation.
Her funeral is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. (J.A.E.)
