VATICAN CITY – Mother Teresa of Calcutta, known for her tireless work with the poor, will be canonized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis announced this significant event will take place on September 4.
Key points
Last December, the Pope cleared the way for her sainthood. Mother Teresa, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 87, was often called the “Saint of the Gutters” for her dedication to helping those in need.
A Life of Service
Born Agnese Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910 to Albanian parents, Mother Teresa grew up in what is now Macedonia. She became a global icon for her humanitarian work. However, her mission was not without controversy. Some critics accused her of trying to convert people to Christianity.
Pope Francis, who emphasizes caring for the poor, was eager to canonize Mother Teresa during the Church’s current Holy Year. The ceremony will be held at the Vatican, disappointing many in India who hoped the Pope would travel to Kolkata, where she spent much of her life.
Joyful News for Her Followers
Sunita Kumar, a spokesperson for the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Mother Teresa, expressed her excitement. “I can’t thank God enough that it is happening in my lifetime,” she said. The Missionaries of Charity began in the 1950s to assist the poor on the streets of Kolkata. Today, the order has spread worldwide, continuing her legacy.
In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian efforts. Her work focused on the poorest of the poor, providing care and compassion to those in need.
A Quick Path to Sainthood
The late Pope John Paul II expedited the process for Mother Teresa’s sainthood. He allowed her case to begin just two years after her death, rather than the usual five. She was beatified in 2003, only six years after she passed away.
Despite her many accolades, some critics have raised concerns about the motives behind her work. They argue that the Missionaries of Charity aimed to convert the destitute to Christianity. However, the order defends its mission, stating that many of those cared for in the Kalighat Home for Dying Destitutes were non-Christians with only days to live. They emphasize that conversion is a lengthy process and not the primary goal of their work.
The Church’s Definition of Saints
In the Catholic Church, saints are individuals believed to have lived holy lives and are now in Heaven. They are thought to intercede with God to perform miracles. Mother Teresa has been credited with two miracles, both involving the healing of sick individuals.
Conclusion
The canonization of Mother Teresa marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church and her followers worldwide. Her life of service and dedication to the poor continues to inspire many. As the date approaches, people around the globe will celebrate her legacy and the impact she made on countless lives.
FAQs:
Mother Teresa will be canonized on September 4.
Canonization recognizes her as a saint in the Catholic Church, honoring her life of service to the poor.
Mother Teresa was born Agnese Gonxha Bojaxhiu.
She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work.
The Missionaries of Charity is the religious order founded by Mother Teresa to help the poor and destitute.
Saints are individuals believed to have lived holy lives and can intercede with God to perform miracles.
Mother Teresa’s canonization is a celebration of her unwavering commitment to helping those in need, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
