The Washington Times

'Hugging saint' embraces Alexandria

Volunteer Kerry Fitzpatrick of Seattle, Wash. walks around with a sign asking for help washing dishes as spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, also known as "Amma" or the "Hugging Saint," hugs and blesses followers at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Va., Friday, July 6, 2012. The spiritual leader is on a 10-city tour through North America with the help of volunteers helping her throughout her visit. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

Kimberly Taylor of Charlottesville, Va., left, cries as she watches spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi [cq], right, also known as "Amma" or the "Hugging Saint", receive David Ernest Wachter [cq], second from right, with a hug and blessing at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Va., Friday, July 6, 2012. The spiritual leader is on a ten city tour through North America with the help of volunteers helping her throughout her visit. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

Kimberly Taylor of Charlottesville, Va., left, cries as she watches spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi [cq], right, also known as "Amma" or the "Hugging Saint", receive David Ernest Wachter [cq], second from right, with a hug and blessing at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Va., Friday, July 6, 2012. The spiritual leader is on a ten city tour through North America with the help of volunteers helping her throughout her visit. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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