Sister Nirmala Joshi, superior general of the congregation, told the UCA News agency that the congregation has grown “by God’s grace and by the prayers of our Mother Teresa in heaven.”
When the founder died in 1997, there were 456 houses in 101 countries, Sister Nirmala said. With 10 houses added this year, the Missionaries of Charity now have 710 houses in 132 countries.
According to the 2003 Pontifical Yearbook, the congregation has 4,690 women religious and novices.
Sister Nirmala also said that an unspecified number of Missionary of Charity nuns would go to their founder’s beatification on Oct. 19 rites in Rome.
Bishops in India have sought government help to have the beatification broadcast nationwide on the state channel.
