Celebrating Canonization of Mother Teresa: Sept 4, 1016

Before She Became Teresa

Her middle name, Gonxha, means “little flower” in Albanian. Even before blossoming into her life as a religious sister, young Agnes Bojaxhiu showed signs of passionate devotion to Christ. Early on, she began celebrating her birthday on the day of her baptism, August 27. Who could have predicted that this “little flower” would go on to serve the poorest of the poor thousands of miles away?

Set to Get Notified Here

Pope Francis held a Consistory of Cardinals and Bishops in which, among others Causes, the Canonization of Blessed Teresa was approved. The canonization will be held on 4 September this year in Rome during the Sunday Mass celebrated as part of the Jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy.

The entire Missionaries of Charity family – Sisters, Brothers, Fathers, coworkers, Corpus Christi Movement for Priests, lay associates (Lay Missionaries of Charity and I Thirst Movement), volunteers, benefactors, friends of different faiths, and especially the poorest of the poor – rejoices and is grateful to Pope Francis for this significant event in its history and in the life of the Church during this Jubilee of Mercy.

It is providential that the approved miracle that occurred in Santos, Brazil in 2008 through the intercession of Blessed Teresa, was brought to the attention of the Postulation only in late 2013 and received approval in December 2015. Thus Mother Teresa’s canonization becomes a major event of the Jubilee of Mercy.

Even in her lifetime, Mother Teresa was an icon of God’s tender mercy, radiating the light of God’s love to so many through the works of mercy, both material and spiritual. From heaven she continues to fulfil her mission as she “lights the light of those in darkness on earth.” With her canonization, the Church presents her as a model and intercessor of those who, like her, “long to light the fire of love and peace throughout the world.” She can be taken as a patron saint especially for those who are most in need of God’s mercy.

By her example and through her intercession, may Mother Teresa inspire many to give their ‘hearts to love and their hands to serve’, starting with those closest to them. May we all continue to live and deepen our awareness of being in need of mercy and our willingness to extend mercy in our communities, in our families and in our service of the poor.

As the Cause of Canonization draws to a close, the Missionaries of Charity and the Postulation express their gratitude to all those who have helped and supported us in carrying out Mother Teresa’s Cause of Canonization.

With much gratitude let us pray, Blessed – and future Saint – Teresa, pray for us!

Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk, M.C.

Postulator

25 March 201

Text © Mother Teresa Center of the Missionaries of Charity