Speaking to mediapersons, the archbishop said that the inquiry process could take a year and the decision on the beatification would be taken by the Pope on the recommendation of the Vatican's congregation for the causes of saints.

``But (evidence of) valid miracles will certainly advance the process,'' the archbishop said, adding that such miracles would have to be of ``organic'' nature like a complete cure from some ailment or injury.

He said claims of three organic miracles had been received so far -- one each from the US, France and Raiganj in North Bengal.

``I don't have the details of the first two, but a lady from Raiganj has claimed she was cured of a tumor on Mother's deathanniversary day last year after she prayed to mother for a cure. Her claims, along with medical documents had been sent to Rome for examination,'' he said.

According to the archbishop, at least one valid miracle would be required for Mother to be beatified and at least another for subsequent canonisation. ``The second miracle must occur after beatification so that the church can satisfy itself that the beatification had not been in vain,'' he said.

Stating that witnesses would be examined simultaneously also at Rome, London, New York and San Diego for their ``locational convenience,'' the archbishop said he had issued letters rogatory to church functionaries at these places to start the inquiry process.

People of other faiths willing to testify for the cause of Mother's sainthood would also be called as witnesses in all places where the inquiry would be held, he said.

Fr Brian Koloiejchak, the postulator for the cause, said the DIT would look into the ``truth of mother's life'' with special attentionto her virtues like faith, hope, courage, prudence, fortitude, temperance and justice. ``Every aspect of her life from beginning to the end would be looked into.''

The DIT, which will rely on witness testimony and documents in examining her life, would use the same sources in verifying claims of miracles, he said.

Mother didn't want sainthood -- Sr Nirmala

CALCUTTA: Mother Teresa never thought of her own formal cannonisation but she herself followed saintly virtues and inspired the nuns of her Missionaries of Charity to do so, according to Sister Nirmala, her successor as the order's superior-general. According to Sister Nirmala, ``She (Mother) inspired us to become saints by following saintly virtues. This was her formula for sanctity''.