Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity
The Basics
Located down an alleyway in central Kolkata, the Mother House was the home and headquarters of Mother Teresa from 1950 until her death in 1997. Aside from the room that holds her tomb, the building centers on a peaceful courtyard and a tiny museum where visitors and pilgrims can learn more about the Catholic saint’s life and see a collection of her possessions and letters.
Visitors are welcome to walk around the Mother House and visit the tomb as they wish. Prayer petitions can be placed in a box on the tomb, with prayers requested then held during the weekly Friday mass at the chapel—this service is only open to MOC sisters and volunteers.
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Things to Know Before You Go
- The Mother House will interest those keen to know more about Mother Teresa and Kolkata’s social and religious landscape.
- Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
- Visitors are required to dress modestly and respectfully.
- Be ready to switch off mobile phones during any visit and maintain a respectful silence at Mother Teresa’s tomb.
How to Get There
The Mother House is situated at 54A A.J.C. Bose Road near its intersection with Ripon Street in central Kolkata. Look for the alleyway near the corner with Ripon Street, and follow it along one side of the Mother House to the main entrance. Alternatively, ride a cab here or take the metro to the nearest station, Park Street—although the house is an approximate 25-minute walk from there.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Mother House is open Friday-Wednesday, from 8am-12pm and 3pm-6pm. These times are strictly observed, but can change, so double-check before visiting. Be aware that the house is closed on August 22, Easter Monday, and December 26 every year.
Must-Sees at the Mother House
Most visitors first make their way to Mother Teresa’s white marble tomb, which is housed in a simple ground-floor room, and which is adorned with flower petals and wreaths. Other areas open to visitors include a museum room where you can see the nun’s worn sandals, rosary, enamel dinner bowl, and other modest possessions; before going upstairs to view her sparsely furnished bedroom, complete with a simple bed and desk, where she died in 1997.
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