Beatification of Mother Teresa

On October 19, 2003, Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II in a solemn ceremony held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This event marked a significant step in the process of canonization within the Roman Catholic Church, bringing Mother Teresa one step closer to being declared a saint.

Background

Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje, was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary known for her charitable work with the poor in Kolkata, India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, a religious congregation that grew to include thousands of sisters running hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis, as well as soup kitchens, dispensaries, and mobile clinics.

Her humanitarian work earned her numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, and her life and work left a lasting impact on the world.

The Beatification Ceremony

The beatification ceremony was attended by thousands of pilgrims from around the world, reflecting Mother Teresa’s global influence and the widespread admiration for her life’s work. The ceremony was part of the Roman Catholic Church’s process of canonization, which involves several steps:

1. Servant of God: The process begins with the individual being declared a “Servant of God.”
2. Venerable: The Vatican then recognizes the individual’s heroic virtues.
3. Beatification: Requires evidence of a miracle attributed to the individual’s intercession. For Mother Teresa, the miracle involved the healing of an Indian woman, Monica Besra, who was cured of a tumor after praying to Mother Teresa.
4. Canonization: Requires a second miracle after beatification.

During the ceremony, Pope John Paul II praised Mother Teresa for her unwavering dedication to the poorest of the poor and her embodiment of Christian charity. He highlighted her deep faith and love for humanity, which inspired many to follow in her footsteps.

Aftermath and Canonization

Mother Teresa’s beatification was a pivotal moment in her journey toward sainthood. It allowed for her veneration in the Catholic Church and inspired further devotion among the faithful. On September 4, 2016, Pope Francis canonized Mother Teresa as a saint, recognizing her second miracle involving the healing of a Brazilian man with multiple brain abscesses.

Significance

Mother Teresa’s beatification and subsequent canonization underscore her enduring legacy as a symbol of compassion and selfless service. Her life’s work continues to inspire people worldwide, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. The recognition by the Catholic Church serves as a testament to her profound impact on society and her embodiment of Christian values.