Mother Teresa: a biography

THE MEETING POINT
In 1968, Oliver Hunkin, head of religious programming for the BBC,
called upon noted British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge, to ask whether
he would do a short television interview with a relatively unknown nun
from India. Hunkin’s choice of Muggeridge was inspired. Muggeridge was
well known for his agnosticism and mocking attitude toward organized re-
ligions. Having briefly entertained thoughts of becoming a priest at a
young age, Muggeridge instead chose journalism as a career. However, he
never completely let go of his deep Christian feelings, and much later in
life returned to the Church. But for now, Muggeridge was a bit put out at
the thought of conducting this interview, particularly since Hunkin had
not given him much notice in order for him to prepare.
Muggeridge had never heard of Mother Teresa, but the next afternoon
he found himself making his way to the Holy Child Convent in London
to do the interview. Mother Teresa, looking visibly nervous, answered
Muggeridge’s questions in a small, halting voice. Gently, he led her
through the story of her mission and what she hoped to accomplish, and
avoided controversial questions completely; nor was there any appeal for
donations on her part. At one point, Muggeridge feared that he would not
be able to keep the interview going for the full 30 minutes. When the
completed interview was broadcast for BBC executives, there was even
some question about whether the lackluster and ordinary exchange
should be televised.
But in the end, the interview aired in May 1968 on the BBC Sunday-
night series, 
Meeting Point.
The response was as unexpected as it was
spectacular. So many British viewers were moved by the story of Mother
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M O T H E R T E R E S A

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Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity, that within 10 days of the broad-
cast, £9,000 ($16,000 in 2004 dollars) were donated to the organization.
Another story credits the interview with raising £25,000 (approximately
$45,000 in 2004 dollars). Although the actual figure is in dispute, one
thing is not: Mother Teresa struck a chord with the public. BBC officials
were so taken aback by the response to the interview that they broadcast
it again with even more donations coming in for the Missionaries of
Charity.