St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised its fifth Annual Christmas Lecture on December 13, 2025 at Parasmani, the university’s social outreach centre in Bolpur, Santiniketan.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered a delightful lecture on “Mother Teresa: A Hymn of Compassion and Love”. Faculty members, officers, Fathers and Sisters, research scholars and dignitaries from SXUK and Visva-Bharati attended the programme.

Father Felix Raj shared his rare personal interactions with Mother Teresa. Weaving together memories and history, he reflected on her extraordinary life of service and compassion, describing it as a “hymn for the universe”.

In his engrossing address, Father Felix Raj narrated the early life of Mother Teresa, her arrival in Kolkata, and her noble mission of working for the poor and destitute. He highlighted the core principles that shaped Mother Teresa’s mission, that peace and charity begin at home, and that service to humanity is service to God.

While referring to his personal anecdotes with Mother Teresa, Father Felix Raj also narrated Mother Teresa’s close association with the Jesuit order. He also reflected on Mother Teresa’s mission and message that grew stronger over time.

Dr. Somak Sen