Mother Teresa of Calcutta

In Rome on Sunday, September 4, Pope Francis will canonize Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

In her lifetime, Mother Teresa radiated the light of God’s love to so many through the works of mercy, both material and spiritual. From heaven she continues to fulfill 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 St. 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.