Mother Teresa, founder of the Missionaries of Charity and recipient of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize will be canonised as a Saint by the Vatican on Sunday September 4.

Abergavenny-based entertainer Bryn Yemm recalls one of the most amazing days of his life when he meet Mother Teresa in Calcutta.

In November 1996, Bryn was invited by the Gospel Association of India to be a member of their Crusade, where he performed in a series of stadium concerts to audiences of about 50,000 people.

Another member of that Crusade was former NASA astronaut Charlie Duke (Apollo 16 – the 10th man to walk on the Moon).

Bryn says his most humbling experience was being granted an audience with Mother Teresa.

“I was amazed at the clarity of her English language and her knowledge of and her seeking news of Ireland. ‘How are things in Ireland now?’ she asked me.

“I was unaware (at that time) that she had been a novice at Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham, Ireland.

“She also queried the best use of the money spent on the Apollo Moon programme and how that may have been used to address poverty and starvation.

“Leaving the audience, I passed Terry Waite, who was next to meet her.”

Bryn added, “I continue to be astonished that my career has allowed me to meet many amazing people and perform all around the world.

“Mother Teresa is a unique example of someone who not only dedicated her life to her beliefs but opened so many people’s eyes to the plight of the starving and poor in India and across the world.

“She had the conviction and personality to stand up for these people, who had no voice, and begin the process of relieving their pain, hunger and poor health.

“I hope that her elevation to Sainthood will serve as a reminder of how a single person can make an enormous difference and that the mission she began to relieve to poor, hungry and sick is still ongoing and remains urgent.”