For many years, the St. Bernadette
Institute of Sacred Art conducted an award program to acknowledge the
efforts of people, who have made an incredible contribution in serving
the society and carrying out altruistic works. An attempt was made to
look for universities that are willing to confer honorary doctorates
upon the individuals, who deserve recognition. However, the universities
did not show much of interest.
Then later on, the universities thought of using a known name for the
awards program. So, they contacted mother Nirmala, who held the position
of head of missionaries of charity after the death of Mother Teresa.
They asked her if they could use the name of Mother Teresa for the
awards. Usually, the nuns do not give permission to make use of the
Mother's name. However, based on faith that Mother's name would be used
for a good cause, they allowed the university to use it. This paved way
for the announcement of the Mother Teresa awards.
The Mother Teresa award contains a very accurately designed figure
resembling a devotional statue. Seeking the help of One Moment
Productions (specialized in the task of custom castings), R.S. Owens
created the Mother Teresa statuette. It portrays Mother Teresa as
holding rosary in her one hand and the other hand is placed on her
heart. Her head is depicted as raised high towards the heaven, which is
suggestive of the message that, whatever we choose to do or perform,
should be for the glory of God.
