Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known as Amma, which means “mother” in her native language, will hold five free events from July 3 to 5 at the M.A. Center, in Elburn, a village situated 46 miles west of Chicago. Amma, a spiritual leader, humanitarian and philanthropist who has hugged more than 30 million people worldwide, is renowned for her extraordinary acts of love and self-sacrifice.

Amma’s efforts include raising millions of dollars for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort and Asian tsunami victims in 2005. Other projects include an orphanage in Haiti; state-ofthe-art hospitals in India that are free to the poor; universities, schools, free homes for the poor and needy; medical camps; and orphanages.

To meet Amma, guests need a token that is issued on a firstcome-first-served basis one hour before the start of the program. Tokens are limited, so arrive early. Location: 41W501 Keslinger Rd. View a schedule at Amma.org/meeting-amma/north-america/chicago-area. For more information, call 630-387-5077.