BLESSED TERESA OF CALCUTTA

John Paul Speaks

Notable quotations from Pope John Paul II and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

"AN ICON OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN"

I am personally grateful to this courageous woman whom I have always felt beside me. Mother Teresa, an icon of the Good Samaritan, went everywhere to serve Christ in the poorest of the poor. Not even conflict or war could stand in her way.

"A TOTAL GIFT TO THE POOR"

Contemplation and action, evangelization and human promotion: Mother Teresa proclaimed the Gospel living her life as a total gift to the poor but, at the same time, steeped in prayer.

STRENGTH, PRAYER, AND CONTEMPLATION

Where did Mother Teresa find the strength to place herself completely at the service of others? She found it in prayer and in the silent contemplation of Jesus Christ, His Holy Face, His Sacred Heart.

"A BOLD PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL"

Her greatness lies in her ability to give without counting the cost, to give "until it hurts". Her life was a radical living and a bold proclamation of the Gospel.

"ONE OF THE GREATEST MISSIONARIES"

There is no doubt that the new Blessed was one of the greatest missionaries of the 20th century... A missionary with the most universal language: the language of love that knows no bounds or exclusion and has no preferences other than for the most forsaken.

CHARITY, PEACE, AND LIFE

A missionary of charity, a missionary of peace, a missionary of life. Mother Teresa was all of these.

"A HUMBLE GOSPEL MESSENGER"

Let us praise the Lord for this diminutive woman in love with God, a humble Gospel messenger and a tireless benefactor of humanity. In her we honor one of the most important figures of our time. Let us welcome her message and follow her example.

"WITNESSES OF CHARITY"

Her entire existence reminds us that being Christian means being witnesses of charity. Echoing her words, I urge each one to follow generously and courageously in the footsteps of this authentic disciple of Christ.

"FEARLESS MESSENGER OF LOVE"

Virgin Mary, Queen of all the Saints, help us to be gentle and humble of heart like this fearless messenger of Love. Help us to serve every person we meet with joy and a smile. Help us to be missionaries of Christ, our peace and our hope. Amen!

(Sources: Beatification Mass 10/19/03, Audience 10/20/03)