Skopje, 26 August 2024 (MIA) — Organized by the Institute of Cultural and Spiritual Heritage of Albanians, the 4th "Light of Gonxhe" cultural event was held to mark Mother Teresa's 114th birth anniversary and her 27th death anniversary.

In his speech, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Mother Teresa was the link connecting people living in these parts and the world's role model of humanity and kindness.

"She was from Skopje and she spent most of her life in India, the country that has the world's second largest population and is the seventh largest in terms of geographical size, with New Delhi as its capital," PM Mickoski said.

"Today, Mother Teresa belongs to the world," he said. "Her life knew of no borders or differences. She united different cultures, different people and nations. She is also now the best bridge of connection in her birthplace, Skopje. She is the thread connecting Macedonians, Albanians and everyone who has lived in these areas but also an example of how a heart full of love can be prepared for great achievements and victories over all prejudice and obstacles."

"Let's learn from this great Skopje woman and humanist to respect each other, to care for one another, to help the disadvantaged, the oppressed and the poor. Let's follow the example of Gonxha, who changed the world. This is the only way we will secure a future for all," Mickoski said.

He said her name was a synonym for goodness, nobility and honesty as well as for sincere, heartfelt help to those who needed it most.

"For her exceptionally humane work caring for the poorest of the poor, she also received the Nobel Peace Prize," Mickoski said.

Institute of Cultural and Spiritual Heritage of Albanians director Skender Asani called Saint Mother Teresa "the most unique person in the world who built her affiliation on the principles of humanity and kindness." 

He said the institute had a special department for studying her legacy and published numerous publications and held cultural and scholarly events in her honor.

"Hundreds and hundreds of people have spoken and written about Saint Mother Teresa," Asani said, adding that "the people of her country of origin have probably spoken and written the least about this great woman not because they lack respect for her but because great personalities such as she was usually come from different parts of the globe."

"This is also a testimony to her influence on increasing people's awareness of poverty, disease and loneliness [...] and abandoned and sick people who eventually found the warmth of her words and hands," he said.

As part of the event, the Institute of Cultural and Spiritual Heritage of Albanians also launched "The Light of Gonxhe" journal dedicated to Mother Teresa. mr/