Missionaries of Charity, St. Teresa’s daughters, at the Mass to Celebrate her Canonization at the Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude in Phoenix, AZ. From left to right: Sr. Savina Grace, Sr. Luz Mariana, Sr. Rebeca Jose, and Sr. Danette (the local superior in Phoenix).
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the Diocese of Phoenix, the Celebrations for the Canonization of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta from September 3 – 5 were great and unforgettable. The joy of all who came was evident, and there was a palpable sense of the blessedness of this Saint who impacted us.
I would like to share with you the highlights of the Diocesan events to honor this Saint. First with the 9 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral to celebrate the Canonization:
A Shrine with a First Class Relic of St. Mother Teresa, a portrait of her picture from her Beatification as well as a banner handmade by Sr. Maria Crucis, RSM.
The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist greet the Missionaries of Charity. What a beautiful sight!
“The child is the most beautiful gift of God to a family, to a nation. Let us never refuse this gift of God.” ~Mother Teresa.
What a glorious day for the Missionaries of Charity, Phoenix, the Church…the world!
At the reception there was the unveiling of a unique sculpture of St. Mother Teresa that was blessed by Bishop Olmsted and given to the Missionaries of Charity as a gift.
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Let us back up a bit. On Saturday, September 3rd at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Phoenix where the Missionaries of Charity serve, there was a bilingual Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. Many people attended, and the Church was full.
Sculpture of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta by Mr. Robert Reveles adorned the Sanctuary.
Sr. Luz Mariana, MC led the congregation in prayer both in English and Spanish.
Fr. John Muir exposed the Blessed Sacrament for Eucharistic Adoration during Holy Hour.
Sr. Rebeca Jose, MC invited all who attended to a reception following the Mass.
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On her Feast Day, September 5, Sacred Heart Parish honored St. Teresa with Mass at 6 p.m.
Fr. Paul Sullivan, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, with Deacon Georges in the Procession.
Father Paul gave a heartfelt and touching homily that highlighted her love for Jesus and how firmly she was rooted in her relationship with Our Lord. That she is a “Saint of darkness”.
The Canonization of Mother Teresa during the Jubilee Year of Mercy was perfect timing!
Let us remain basking in the light of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta who shows us Mercy.
With love and prayers,
Sr. Anthony Mary Diago, RSM
