Kolkata: The Communist government has given permission to start a Convent of the Missionaries of Charity in China, but the nuns have rejected the proposal to abandon the traditional monastic dress.

The monastic community founded by Saint Mother Teresa has worn a white saree with a blue border since its inception. In China, monastic monasteries have been allowed to open, but the government has asked them to abandon traditional clothing. "We are not ready for that," Superior General Sister Mary Joseph told the National Catholic Register in an interview, adding that she has asked for a review of the proposal.

In March this year, Sister Mary Joseph, a Malayalee and resident of Thrissur district, was elected as the Superior General of the monastic community, which has about five thousand members in 139 countries.

"We have no insecurity. We continue to do God's work by putting our faith in God," said Sister Mary Joseph when asked about the 2016 killing of four members of the monastic community in a terrorist attack in Yemen and the recent expulsion from the Latin American country of Nicaragua.

When the Missionaries of Charities asked about the BJP government trying to block financial aid from outside the community, the reply was 'We are not disappointed.

As Saint Mother Teresa taught, each day begins with Holy Communion and Adoration, and God watches over us. Sister Mary Joseph said that since the BJP government started taking steps to stop the financial assistance to them, they are getting a lot of support from the public.