ROME, SEPT. 5, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Missionaries of Charity started their commemoration of the 10-year anniversary of Mother Teresa's death today at the general audience with Benedict XVI.
At the end of the audience, Father Brian Kolodiejchuk presented to the Holy Father a copy of "Come Be My Light," the book of Mother Teresa's private letters that he edited. Father Kolodiejchuk is the postulator of Mother Teresa's cause of canonization.
The book was released Tuesday in English, German and Italian editions. It will be available in Spanish in November, while a French edition is under way.
Rome
In Rome, the Missionaries of Charity are marking the anniversary with a week of events.
Mass was celebrated today at the Basilica of St. John Lateran by Archbishop Angelo Comastri, president of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, the office in charge of construction matters relating to St. Peter's.
This Thursday through Sunday, the Pontifical Seminary of St. John Lateran will host an exhibition that will include a documentary and photos of Mother Teresa's life, work and message.
A conference on Thursday will focus on the theme of "Jesus in the Eucharist and in the Poor" given by Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the Pontifical Household preacher.
The anniversary events will conclude on Saturday, feast of the Birth of Our Lady, with a rosary featuring meditations written by Mother Teresa, followed by a final profession of vows by the contemplative brothers of the Missionaries of Charity.
India
Commemoration of Mother Teresa's anniversary started in Calcutta on Aug. 26, Mother Teresa's birthday, followed by a novena from Aug. 27-Sept. 4 in all of the city's parishes.
Archbishop Lucas Sirkar of Calcutta led an early morning Mass today attended by nuns and volunteers at the Missionaries of Charity headquarters.
Special prayers were said at the tomb of Mother Teresa and a candlelight procession of the rosary concluded the day.
And in Bangalore, in a Missionary of Charity's children's home, Archbishop Bernard Moras unveiled a statute dedicated to Mother Teresa.
United States
Priests for Life prayed a novena that started on Aug. 28 and ended today with a prayer asking for the intercession of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, whom God "raised up [as] a voice for the voiceless, and a friend to the poorest of the poor, the unborn child."
St. Vincent College, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, plans to host an Oct. 5-7 gathering of Mother Teresa's family and close friends to celebrate her life's work.
The event will include an address by Sister Nirmala, Mother Teresa's successor as superior general of the Missionaries of Charity; Mother Teresa's only niece, Agi Guttadauro; and Father Kolodiejchuk.
ZE07090505 - 2007-09-05