Modeling Virtue to College Students
25 years since St. Teresa of Calcutta's passing
St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) died on September 5, 1997. It has been 25 years since her passing, and her feast day is September 4th. She was canonized on September 4, 2016, by Pope Francis. This modern-day saint continues to make a monumental impact on the world including, Catholics, Christians, and members of the human family worldwide. Her charism of charity and of love have made an imprint on our hearts.
Remembering St. Teresa of Calcutta
Mother Teresa’s life and charism was all about love and care for the poor and marginalized. She taught others to do the same through her work with the Missionaries of Charity and life of sacrifice. She was an Albanian Catholic nun who founded the order in 1950, and dedicated her life, time, and prayers to those who suffer.
Special quotes
There are hundreds of quotes by St. Teresa of Calcutta, but to name a few, she focused greatly on always being on the lookout for those who feel rejected and unloved. She made it clear that it is all our jobs to love those who do not have the love and support they deserve. Here are some of her famous quotes:
“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger. It is a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
This quote speaks of those lonely people we all know who could use our care and a listening ear. We can all provide the spiritual works of mercy, and Mother Teresa constantly pointed to the ways we can all serve one another.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
It is so true that most of us as humans live our day to day lives and will never be famous or listed in history books at a much later date. However, we can do our part in loving those people very close to us which are most likely our family and those we hold dear to our hearts. Of course, this outreach includes everyone, not just our relatives and friends. We can do small things with great love every day.
“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”
This quote may come as hard to understand, but her point is that loving is a God-filled obligation for all of us. When we love completely, we have fulfilled God’s will. Loving is what makes us a saint when our hearts are open and when we live a live of virtue and charity.
Always more to learn about Mother Teresa
There is a wealth of information, books, and writings on this beautiful saint, St. Teresa of Calcutta. Continue to intercede to her to learn and to grow in your faith. She understood what suffering was, and she also understood its connection to sacrificial love. This love is the gateway to sainthood not just for Mother Teresa, but of everyone. St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!
About the Author
Anne DeSantis, MA Theology, is the author of the book Love and Care for the Marginalized, 40 Meditations for Catholics. She is a wife, mother, podcast and TV host, and the Executive Director for the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation at Nonnatus.org. Learn more about Anne at Anne DeSantis.com.
