Kolkata, July 21: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee today told the Missionaries of Charity that he would not be present at Mother Teresa's beatification ceremony at the Vatican on October 19, but would attend the subsequent public function scheduled here on November 08. ''he told us that he will not be able to attend the beatification ceremony at the Vatican owing to prior engagements,'' MC superior-general Sister Nirmala, who came to invite Bhattacharjee for the functions, said.

The Chief Minister who took a whistle-stop tour of the Vatican during his recent visit to Italy, has, however, agreed to attend the public function scheduled here on November 08 in connection with the beatification, she said. According to church sources, the November 08 programme would be organised in two parts -- a liturgical celebration and a public function at St Xavier's College Grounds.

While the liturgical celebrations would comprise a religious procession, praying of rosary, holy mass, veneration of mother's relics and garlanding her picture, the public function would include an all-faith prayer service and other forms of tribute to mother.

In reply to questions from newsmen on when mother would be declared a saint, Sr Nirmala said the process can begin only after the formal beatification ceremony. Testimony of at least one miracle would be required to complete the process. Bureau Report