On September 4, 2016, Mother Teresa was officially recognized as a saint by Pope Francis and given the title of “Saint Teresa of Calcutta.” She was praised for her commitment to defending life and for her generosity towards those in need. Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious order focused on caring for the poorest of the poor and the dying. She dedicated her life to serving others and was known for her acts of mercy and compassion.
Born Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in what is now North Macedonia, Mother Teresa felt a calling to religious life at a young age. She left home at 18 to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and was later sent to India, where she would spend the rest of her life. In 1948, Mother Teresa left the Sisters of Loreto to establish the Missionaries of Charity. She dedicated herself to caring for the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society, and her work gained international recognition. Over the years, she received various honors and awards for her humanitarian efforts.
Mother Teresa’s canonization occurred on the day before the 19th anniversary of her death in 1997. She was known for her unwavering commitment to serving others and her deep faith in God. Mother Teresa believed that all individuals were deserving of love and compassion, regardless of their circumstances. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her dedication to helping those in need. Mother Teresa’s selflessness and devotion to serving the poor made her an inspirational figure to many people around the world.
The process of canonization typically involves a waiting period of five years after a person’s death, during which their life is evaluated for evidence of heroic virtue. However, this waiting period was waived for Mother Teresa by Pope John Paul II just two years after her passing. To be declared a saint, the individual must be shown to have lived a holy life and performed miracles attributed to their intercession. Mother Teresa’s canonization was based on two such miracles, involving the healing of individuals in India and Brazil after prayers for her intercession.
One of the miracles attributed to Mother Teresa was the healing of Monica Besra, who had been diagnosed with a terminal tumor. After a sister prayed for her with a relic of Mother Teresa, the tumor disappeared, leading to Besra’s miraculous recovery. Another miracle involved the healing of Marcilio Andrino, who was near death from a brain infection. After prayers to Mother Teresa, Andrino awoke from a coma with no explanation for his recovery. These miracles were approved by the Vatican, leading to Mother Teresa’s beatification and eventual canonization as a saint.
Mother Teresa’s life and work continue to inspire people worldwide to follow her example of selfless service and compassion towards others. She remains a revered figure in the Catholic Church and beyond, known for her dedication to helping the most vulnerable members of society. Mother Teresa’s canonization as a saint is a testament to her extraordinary life and the impact she had on countless individuals through her humanitarian efforts. Her legacy of love, mercy, and service to others lives on in the hearts of those who continue to be inspired by her example.
