Mother Teresa's 'Divine Inspiration' may travel to India

WASHINGTON: Efforts are under way to have a life-size oil painting of Mother Teresa displayed in major Indian cities, including Kolkata, as the world prepares to observe her 10th death anniversary Wednesday.

The 5ft x 6ft painting called 'Divine Inspiration' is the work of US artist Frederick R. La Vergne, a 72-year-old retired navy officer, who gifted it four years ago to the Indian government.

The painting is at present displayed at the Indian embassy in Washington, D.C.

The work of art depicts Mother Teresa praying over a body which La Vergne describes is "that of humanity". It catches the magnetic, haunting and compelling quality of Mother Teresa's aura.

Events are planned through the year in India to observe the 10th anniversary of the Mother's death including display and sale of commutative prints - signed and unsigned - postcards and prayer cards. In the spirit of Mother Teresa's toil in India, a programme is being planned to work with the charities of under-privileged and deprived sections of society.

"I did not sell the painting (to the Indian embassy) because it was not done for money. It was a job I was asked to do with words that told me to paint it," La Vergne told here.

"It would have been impossible to take money for this spiritual event in my life," he said.

La Vergne said he had a call one day with a voice that told him to paint Mother Teresa - who was known as the Saint of the Gutters for her work among the poor and was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. The artist, however, never got the chance to meet her.

"I am aware that the Missionaries of Charity is in Calcutta (now Kolkata) headed by Sister Nirmala who knows of the art work."

La Vergne said he supported the policy that any money raised for the poor should be driven by divine inspiration or assistance, and not by pure commercial means of exploiting Mother Teresa's name.

"I would like to visit the Mother's house and see for myself where she is buried and what can be done to help improve conditions there. I also plan to try to promote the painting in as many parts of the world if possible."

Renowned works by La Vergne include a bronze bust of comedian Bob Hope displayed on the battleship USS New Jersey and an oil painting of a navy chaplain giving last rites following the bombing of the USS Franklin during World War Two. This painting hangs in the Pentagon and won him the US Navy's medal of honour.

Major works are in process. La Vergne said he did not know any heroes in the Indian Navy, but was looking at a clay sculpture for the Unknown Soldier. Having served the military has not swayed him away from his message for peace.

"We must make swords into ploughshare and spears into pruning hooks, or there will be no soil to plant in and no need for pruning hooks."