CALCUTTA, India (CNS) — The Missionaries of Charity, the congregation founded by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, elected Sister Mary Prema as its new superior general March 24. The German-born nun replaces Sister Nirmala Joshi, who had been elected for a third time March 13. Sister Nirmala has led the congregation since 1997, after taking over from its founder.

“It is now officially announced that Sister M. Prema is the new superior general,” Sister Christie, the congregation’s spokeswoman, told the Asian church news agency UCA News March 24. The Missionaries of Charity nuns usually use only one name.

The election took place a day before the congregation’s general chapter was scheduled to conclude. Sources close to the congregation said the nuns had to conduct a second election because Sister Nirmala had asked to be relieved of the superior general’s duties, citing ill health and a desire to live a contemplative life in the congregation.