AMU Dedicates New Museum of Mother Teresa's Life
- Details
-
Published on Friday, 21 February 2014 19:09
Ave Maria University briefly opened the doors Friday to its new museum dedicated to the life of Mother Teresa when the museum was officially blessed and dedicated before a group of university trustees and school supporters. Right, Fr. Cory Mayer sprinkles holy water, blessing the museum, followed by Sister Lima Marie and Sister David from the Missionaries of Charity.
Inside the 3,000-square-foot exhibition hall are more than 30 panels that tell the story of Mother Teresa's life in English and Spanish, photographs of the beloved founder of the Missionaries of Charity, and a viewing area showing a video of her life. Other memorabilia, including handwritten letters by Mother Teresa and a crucifix from her own rosary, will be added before the museum opens to the public March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph.
"Today's AMU students were in kindergarten when Mother Teresa died in 1997," said AMU President Jim Towey, who was Mother Teresa's legal representative in the United States. "This is a chance for them to meet her."
Mr. Towey also said that he hopes the exposure to Mother Teresa's life will further inspire AMU students to serve the poor. "I expect hundreds of students will be volunteering in Immokalee," a neighboring agricultural community that is one of the poorest in the state of Florida.
Two Sisters of Charity, Sr. Lima Marie and Sr. David, attended the dedication and followed Fr. Cory Mayer from the Ave Maria Oratory Parish into the museum as he sprinkled holy water to bless the exhibition hall.
Much of the interior design was led by Myra Daniels, the founder of the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts, who has a special interest in Mother Teresa. The exhibition hall currently is located across the street from the oratory, but will move to a permanent facility on the AMU campus next to the planned new arts center – a project that Mrs. Daniels also is spearheading.
Sr. Lima Marie told the group, "I really feel the presence of Mother here. Anyone who visits won't be the same person when they come out of this room."
Right, visitors watch video of events in Mother Teresa's life. Below left, Sisters Lima Marie and David with Mrs. Daniels.
