Speaking out for the first time since the baby-selling scandal broke out at its shelter home in Ranchi, the head of Missionaries of Charity(MoC), Sister Prema blamed “individual action” while condemning the recent episode in Jharkhand. A three-page statement issued by the Superior General of MoC who heads the worldwide congregation of over five thousand Christian nuns emphasized on this issue and expressed their grief and sadness over the controversy and misunderstandings.
The statement read, “We are deeply saddened and grieved by the recent developments at Missionaries of Charity Home – Nirmal Hriday at East Jail Road, Ranchi. Even while we place our full trust in the Judicial process that is underway, we wish to express regret and sorrow for what happened and desire to express in unequivocal terms our condemnation of individual actions which have nothing to do with the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity.” In the statement, MoC alleges that “myths were being spread, information being distorted, false news being diffused and baseless innuendos” were being thrown about regarding Mother Teresa’s sisters. The statement claims, Anima Indwar along with the mother of the infant who was sold and her guardian had taken the baby out of Nirmal Hriday to surrender it before the CWC and that no sisters were involved in the process.
MoC pointed out that “Mrs Anima Indwar began working at Nirmal Hriday from January 2012. Initially, she worked as a ward helper and then as a staff member to care for the unwed mothers. She learnt the work very well and ably assisted Sr. Concelia MC. Mrs Anima Indwar thus came to enjoy the trust of the Sisters at Nirmal Hriday. As and when Sr. Concelia MC got engaged in pressing responsibilities, Mrs Anima Indwar would escort the unwed mothers, their babies and their guardians to Sadar hospital, RIMS and CWC office as was required, by herself,” the statement clarified.” The statement has also questioned the treatment meted out by the CWC who had called the Home an “excellent environment for the care of children” just weeks before. The MoC has said the CWC carried away unwed mothers and their children from the Home without any prior notice and subjected them to humiliation by escorting them in full view of media. They have further alleged that one of the babies taken fell sick in the custody of CWC and had to be submitted to the ICU.
MoC also vowed that they would continue their whole hearted and free service to the poorest of the poor . MoC concluded the statement saying that “We pray for all those who have been hurt by the recent developments and we ask God to bless all those who are standing by us in these painful and difficult moments. And we lift up to God in prayer all people of goodwill.”
