A temporary exhibit on the life and mission of St. Teresa of Kolkata is on display at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington.
The exhibit, “Mother Teresa: Life, Spirituality and Message,” chronicles the contemporary saint’s life from childhood to canonization. More than 60 panels, accompanied by photos and copies of documents from the Missionaries of Charity archives, tell her story and highlight her spirituality and message of radical love for God and neighbor. It also includes a first-class relic of Mother Teresa that is available for veneration alongside the shrine’s permanent St. John Paul II blood relic.
Panels display photos and biographical information on Mother Teresa’s birth, family life, entry into religious life as a Sister of Loreto, the beginnings of the Missionaries of Charity, and the founding of the MC Fathers. Relics of Mother Teresa include her sari, handkerchief, rosary, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and original writings (including personal notes and letters to MC Brothers and Sisters). Additional artifacts include copies of Mother Teresa’s baptismal certificate, vow paper, original constitutions, as well as duplicates of the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize, Nobel Peace Prize, and honorary doctorate from Harvard University.
“We are privileged to offer our pilgrims an opportunity to learn about this ‘Mother of the poor,’ who, in the words of St. John Paul II, ‘leaves an eloquent example for everyone, believer and non-believer. She leaves us the witness of God’s love, which she accepted, and which transformed her life into a total gift to her brothers and sisters,’ ” said Anthony Picarello, executive director of the shrine. The exhibit is offered in collaboration with the Mother Teresa Institute in Washington.
