Mother Teresa was officially recognized as a saint on September 4, 2016, and given the title “Saint Teresa of Calcutta” during her canonization Mass by Pope Francis. She was known for her generosity and mercy towards all, especially defending the lives of the unborn and abandoned. Born Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in what is now North Macedonia, she felt a calling to religious life from a young age, eventually joining the Sisters of Loreto and later founding the Missionaries of Charity.
Mother Teresa’s work began in 1948 when she left the Sisters of Loreto to serve the poor and dying in Calcutta. She dedicated her life to caring for the less fortunate and marginalized, emphasizing the importance of mercy and compassion. She not only gained international recognition but also received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her dedication to helping humanity. Her selfless work inspired many around the world to follow in her footsteps and serve those in need.
The process towards Mother Teresa’s canonization began shortly after her death in 1997 when then-Pope John Paul II waived the typical five-year waiting period to start the process. After she was declared venerable for living a holy life, two miracles were attributed to her intercession, leading to her beatification in 2003 and later canonization in 2016. The two miracles involved the healing of an Indian woman and a Brazilian man, both of which were deemed miraculous by the Vatican after careful investigation.
The first miracle occurred in 1998 when Monica Besra of India, diagnosed with a terminal tumor, was miraculously healed after being prayed over with a relic of Mother Teresa. The second miracle took place in 2008 when Marcilio Andrino of Brazil, suffering from a brain infection, was cured after his wife prayed to Mother Teresa for healing. These miraculous healings were unexplainable by medical professionals, leading to their approval by the Vatican for Mother Teresa’s canonization.
Mother Teresa’s legacy continues to inspire people of all faiths around the world, with her words and actions serving as a testament to the importance of living a life of virtue and compassion. Her mission of caring for the poor and downtrodden lives on through the work of the Missionaries of Charity, her religious order that operates globally to help those in need. Her canonization serves as a reminder of the impact individuals can have on society through acts of kindness, mercy, and selflessness.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s canonization marked a significant moment in history, celebrating the life and work of a woman who dedicated herself to serving humanity with love and humility. Her canonization Mass, held on the day before the 19th anniversary of her death, highlighted her unwavering commitment to defending life and showing mercy to all those in need. Mother Teresa’s story continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds, inspiring them to follow her example and make a positive difference in the world through acts of compassion and kindness.
