World-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) will return to the Boston area from July 14 to 17. Dubbed the “Hugging Saint” by the international press, Amma is known for embracing each person who comes to see her. She will offer free presentations at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on July 14 and at 7 p.m. on July 17 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, in Marlborough. Her program includes inspirational music, meditation, spiritual discourse and personal blessings.

            The CBS television special In God’s Name profiled Amma as one of the world’s twelve most influential religious leaders. Amma has said that her mission is to awaken the qualities of love and compassion in people across the globe. Her network of humanitarian projects, Embracing the World, is active in 30 countries and has earned a reputation for providing outstanding disaster relief and aid. Amma traveled to Japan to console survivors of the 2011 tsunami and earthquake and donated $1 million for the education of children who were orphaned by the disaster. The United Nations has conferred “Special Consultative Status” to Amma’s India-based organization.

The event will be held at Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 181 W. Boston Post Road, Marlborough, MA. For more information, call 781.519.2297 or visit AmmaNewEngland.org. For more information about Amma and her charitable work, visit EmbracingTheWorld.org.