One of the world’s most renowned religious and humanitarian leaders is in Kane County right now, sharing hugs and a message of happiness, peace and religious harmony.

For more than 20 years, Amma has been an international voice. In 1993, the Parliament of the World’s Religions Centennial named her President of the Hindu Faith. She addressed the United Nations’ Millennium World Peace Summit and was presented with the 2002 Gandhi-King Award for Nonviolence by UN Messenger For Peace Jane Goodall.

The MA Center Chicago is located at 41W501 Keslinger Road, Elburn.

“I believe that she stands here in front of us — God’s love in a human body,” Goodall said.

In 2014, Amma joined Pope Francis and 10 other world religious leaders in a ceremonial signing of a declaration against human trafficking and slavery.

Her global humanitarian initiatives are almost too many to name, with thousands of volunteers on six continents, feeding homeless children in Costa Rica, delivering care packages to families in Spain, building kitchens in Cancun, helping starving people in Mumbai, serving meals to tsunami survivors in India.

She is in Kane County — at the MA Center Chicago, located on Keslinger Road near Elburn — through today.

What’s perhaps most amazing about her visit here is that she spends time and grants a hug to individuals who simply show up to seek her blessing. It’s rare to see a world religious leader having so much direct contact with the general public.

Seen here are photos from Monday, June 25, when an estimated 4,000 people were in attendance. Among the people in the photos who received a blessing from Amma are Elburn Villiage President Jeffrey Walter and County Board members Drew Frasz and Barbara Wojnicki.

For more information about the MA Center, Amma’s North American tour or the organization’s humanitarian efforts, visit amma.org/