FCRA-related issues sorted out: MoC's Sister Mary Joseph

The newly elected superior general of the Missionaries of Charity (MoC), Sister Mary Joseph, said "laws and regulation mean well" and the issue involving the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act was a technical matter which was subsequently sorted out.

Controversy had erupted in the last week of December over the MHA's move not to renew the FCRA licence to the Missionaries of Charity, citing "adverse inputs". The adverse inputs pertained to a complaint in Gujarat against the director of a children's home run by the Missionaries of Charity for allegedly attempting to convert young girls, sources said.

MoC's FCRA registration was valid up to December 31, 2021. The FCRA licence of the Missionaries of Charity was restored in the first week of January.


"There were some technical problems with regard to FCRA and it has been sorted out," Sister Mary Joseph told ET, adding, "Our work is an inspiration from God. Whenever we have difficulties, we pray. When there was difficulty regarding FCRA, the Sisters continued to pray."

Regarding the hijab controversy, Sister Joseph said "a Muslim child has her right and it should be respected as every child is God's child and universal brotherhood is the culture of the country... Mother Teressa has always been like that."

Sister Joseph said five sisters of their order were in Ukraine's Kyiv, staying in a bunker and serving people during the current crisis. There is hardly any food available but the Sisters of MoC choose to stay there on their own will as they want to serve those affected.

MoC has a home in Ukraine and five houses in Russia.