Cebu Archbishop José Palma blesses an image of St, Teresa of Calcutta during a Mass of thanksgiving for the canonization of the founder of the Missionaries of Charity at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Sept. 7, 2016. (Photo: Samuel Navaja)
MANILA, Sept. 8, 2016– Following the Mother Teresa’s canonization on Sept. 4, the faithful cannot help but notice how the woman once called the “Living Saint” lives on in the congregation she founded, the Mssionaries of Charity, who have several areas of apostolate in the Philippines.
“There have been so many elderly who sometimes line up and ask for food because they know that these sisters are generous by nature,” said Nimpha Dela Cruz, a volunteer for Caritas Manila’s Segunda Mana in the Immaculate Conception Church. “I’m glad there is a congregation such as this which takes in abandoned children, being the representatives of Mother Teresa.”
According to Dela Cruz, she sees Mother Teresa in the Missionaries of Mercy who tend to the numerous children and elderly.
Working with the congregation for a year and a half inspired Dela Cruz to have deep faith in the newly canonized saint.
“She’s easy to approach,” she said. “Many have told me that they witnessed Mother Teresa’s humility back when [she] visited the Philippines.”
During his homily, Mass presider Msgr. Jerome Reyes said he remains hopeful more Filipinos will emulate the Patron Saint of the Gutters’ relentless efforts to be God’s tool of mercy and compassion.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, whose feast day was celebrated for the first time on Sept. 5, visited the Philippines thrice: in 1977, 1978, and 1984. The last time she visited, she brought over pioneers to help spread the congregation’s efforts in the Philippines with the established facilities beside the Immaculate Conception Parish Church. (Ysabel Hilado / CBCPNews)
