The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has made a significant announcement – St. Teresa of Calcutta is now officially inscribed in the General Roman Calendar. This means that her feast day, celebrated on September 5, will be accompanied by special liturgical texts to honor her life and legacy.
Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, described Mother Teresa as “a beacon of hope, small in stature but great in love.” He emphasized her unwavering dedication to serving the marginalized and defending the dignity of all human life, even those in the most vulnerable situations.
Her feast day, which falls on the anniversary of her death in 1997, will now be observed annually as an optional liturgical memorial. This decision reflects the widespread admiration and reverence for Mother Teresa’s profound impact on the world.
Originally born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Mother Teresa later became a Sister of Loreto in Calcutta before founding the Missionaries of Charity. This order, now active in 130 countries with over 6,000 sisters, continues her mission of serving the poorest of the poor.
Recognized for her exceptional humanitarian work, Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II in 2003. She was later canonized by Pope Francis in 2016 during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.
Embodying Hope and Mercy
In his statement, Cardinal Roche highlighted Pope Francis’ decision to include Mother Teresa in the Roman Calendar in response to the widespread admiration for her holiness and spirituality. He described her as a “witness of hope” for those who have been marginalized and abandoned in society.
During her canonization Mass, Pope Francis praised Mother Teresa as a beacon of divine mercy, illuminating the darkness around us. Her unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized and neglected serves as a powerful reminder of God’s presence among the poorest of the poor.
The liturgical texts released alongside the decree focus on the theme of the Cross of Christ in the needs of the poor. The readings and prayers emphasize the importance of humility, service, and compassion, echoing Mother Teresa’s own life and teachings.
As we reflect on Mother Teresa’s legacy, let us be inspired by her example of selfless love and unwavering faith. May her canonization remind us of the power of compassion and the importance of serving those in need, even in the darkest of times.
