Pope Francis has officially designated September 5 as an optional memorial for St. Teresa of Calcutta, ensuring that her legacy of compassion and service is recognized in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar.
The announcement, made on February 11, acknowledges the profound impact of her spirituality and selfless devotion to the poor.
Recognizing a Beacon of Hope
The Vatican’s decree highlights how Mother Teresa’s name continues to inspire and bring hope to those seeking solace in times of hardship.
The decision reflects the Church’s desire to honor her enduring influence on people worldwide, especially those who find comfort in her example of love and humility.
What This Means for the Catholic Church
The General Roman Calendar is the official guide for feast days and holy celebrations in the Catholic Church.
With this new designation, St. Teresa’s memorial will be included in liturgical texts, with specific prayers and readings for use in Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours.
Understanding Memorial Classifications
In the Church’s liturgical ranking system, feast days fall into three categories: solemnities, feasts, and memorials.
Memorials, which are the third tier, can be either obligatory or optional.
St. Teresa’s memorial is optional, meaning that observance is voluntary for Catholic communities and clergy.
Mother Teresa’s Lifelong Dedication
Born in Albania, St. Teresa of Calcutta dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor.
She founded the Missionaries of Charity and spent decades ministering to the sick, the dying, and the destitute in India.
She passed away in 1997 at the age of 87 and was canonized by Pope Francis in 2016.
A Model of Humble Service
The decree, signed by Cardinal Arthur Roche, emphasizes Mother Teresa’s embodiment of Gospel values.
It describes her as a model of mercy and a living representation of the Good Samaritan.
By choosing to serve the most marginalized, she became a beacon of selflessness and compassion.
A Life Lived for Others
A key aspect of Mother Teresa’s spirituality was her deep understanding of Jesus’ suffering.
The decree references Jesus’ words on the cross, “I thirst” (John 19:28), which profoundly influenced her mission.
She spent her entire life striving to quench that spiritual thirst by serving humanity’s most vulnerable.
Filled with divine love, she radiated kindness and care to everyone she encountered.
Continuing Her Mission
The addition of St. Teresa of Calcutta’s feast day to the Church’s calendar is a reminder of her extraordinary legacy.
Her mission of love and service remains relevant today, inspiring countless people to follow her example of humility and generosity.
By recognizing her feast day, the Church ensures that her message of compassion continues to touch hearts across the world.
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