"There are many, many invitations from bishops around the world for new centres," informs Sister Nirmala. However, insiders within the Calcutta Catholic community feel the order should avoid any plans for expansion at present. Some feel that since Mother Teresa was close to Pope John Paul II, there was no pressure from the Vatican to conform to the structure other congregations adhered to. Something, a new pope may well disapprove of.

"Mother Teresa did not have the humility of giving MoC superiors provincial powers over smaller areas," reveals a priest who knew her well. He further points out that neither did the society have enough superiors. The Missionaries of Charity can start a centre with four sisters, headed by a superior. They have no provincials -- a step that would be improbable in other orders. Known to have a 'heavy foot,' provincials are understood to be instrumental in the proper functioning of centres in their region. "And that is why Mother Teresa once had to take a long train ride to Poona -- a day after she returned from overseas -- because there was some trouble in the house," he adds.

"She once came to us asking us for 25 tabernacles. I told her I knew she had 25 homes, 25 chapels, but I also knew she did not have 25 superiors -- yet, her goodness was such that we could never refuse her. She was truly a good woman," says the priest of the persistent nun.

There can be little denying that much of the order's spread depended on Mother Teresa's enterprising skills. Her persuasion and stature was such that it was difficult for anyone to turn her away. "If Mother went to the registration office or the electricity board to cut through some red tape, everyone in the building would come down to see her," says a co-worker. However, some are uncertain if Sister Nirmala has this ability.

Yet, her associates see Sister Nirmala as a quiet functionary. "We must remember that she emerged as the dark horse among the heavyweights as head of the order. She certainly is capable and Mother knew this," says co-worker Padma Parikh.

If Mother Teresa had such influence outside, within her order her respect was phenomenal. A co-worker reveals how the sisters wanted her to continue as as superior general because no one thought they were capable enough to bless Mother after succeeding her. "But Sister Nirmala is also an image of Mother. She goes to visit all homes and spent a few days in Yemen in July, consoling the nuns after three sisters were gunned down," adds co-worker Agarwalla.

Currently, the Missionaries of Charity are collecting documents for their founder's canonisation. Hints of miracles have surfaced. Generally, two miracles are a requirement for sainthood. While Sister Nirmala says the process will take a minimum of five years, some priests claim the painstaking canon law -- which requires a priest to play devil's advocate -- is not easy to get past.

Saint, or not, Mother Teresa will always be remembered for her legacy. A woman who could stop the Israeli and Palestinian line of fire to rescue retarded children from a besieged Beirut hospital. Who could make her nuns understand poverty by making them touch it -- she was an example in a mercenary world. Her successors have a tough act to follow. And learn as they do -- a year after she left them -- the Missionaries of Charity have yet to emerge from the spectre of her extraordinary presence.

Mother Teresa, the legacy