Saint Teresa Canonization Day is observed on September 5. Mother Teresa is widely revered as a saint and one of Albania’s most influential national figures. Religious ceremonies are held in her honor across Albania on this day. Pope Francis canonized her at the St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, which was 19 years to the day after her passing in 1997. She became the first person born in the Ottoman Balkans to be honored by canonization. Mother Teresa had a peace mission, and she dedicated her life to helping the poor.
History of Saint Teresa Canonisation Day in Albania
Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje in the Ottoman Empire. Her family’s Albanian background gave her more opportunities than most other women would have. Although Agnes was inspired by tales of missionaries from a young age, it wasn’t until she was 18 that she decided to leave her parents in Ireland and join a nunnery to learn English. After moving to India in 1929 and becoming a nun in 1931, she took the name Teresa after Thérèse de Lisieux, patron saint of missionaries.
Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, a Roman Catholic religious congregation. All members must take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience and a fourth vow to give “wholehearted free service” to the poor. Mother Teresa achieved worldwide recognition for her charitable works and was awarded many honors, including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. She was famously known as the “Teresa of Calcutta.” Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997, at age 87. The Indian government gave her a state funeral in gratitude for her services to the poor of all religions.
Pope John Paul II beatified Mother Teresa in a ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on October 19, 2003. Pope Francis canonized Mother Teresa of Calcutta in September 2016. Mother Teresa, the Albania-born nun, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, said that she was Albanian by blood, Indian by citizenship, and Catholic by faith. This national holiday in Albania commemorated her beatification ceremony.
Saint Teresa Canonisation Day in Albania timeline
Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu is born in Skopje in the Ottoman Empire.
After moving to India, she becomes a nun and takes the name Teresa after Thérèse de Lisieux, patron saint of missionaries.
After suffering a heart attack and struggling with several illnesses, she dies in 1997.
Pope Francis canonizes Mother Teresa of Calcutta in Vatican City.
Saint Teresa Canonisation Day in Albania FAQs
How did Mother Teresa change the world?
Mother Teresa founded The Missionaries of Charity to look after abandoned babies and help the poorest of the poor. She cared for people as though they were her children and won the Nobel Peace Prize. After her death, she was canonized as a saint.
What impact did Mother Teresa have on modern-day society?
Helping others was a big part of Mother Teresa’s life. She started soup kitchens, a leper colony, orphanages, and a home for the dying destitute. She also treated the lepers, educated the poorest of the poor, and fed the homeless.
What did Mother Teresa do for Albania?
Mother Teresa founded a branch of her organization specifically for contemplative nuns and priests to respond more effectively to the poor and their spiritual needs.
How to Observe Saint Teresa Canonisation Day in Albania
Set up a small altar
Set up a small altar in your home or place of worship, and place photos or images of Saint Teresa on it. You can also use candles, flowers, and other appropriate items for the occasion.
Read about her life
Read about her life and work and reflect on how she was able to touch so many lives through her words and deeds, no matter how humble they may have seemed at first glance.
Pray for her
Make sure to say prayers for Saint Teresa during this time. No prayer goes unanswered.
5 Interesting Facts About Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa’s Siblings
Mother Teresa had two elder sisters and was the youngest sibling. After leaving to join the Sisters of Loreto, Mother Teresa never saw her mother or her sisters again.
Fluent in several languages
Mother Teresa spoke five languages fluently. These were English, Hindi, Bengali, Albanian, and Serbian.{Former headmistress
Former headmistress
Mother Teresa served as the Headmistress of Loreto-Convent School in Kolkata before devoting herself full-time to charitable work.
Speaking at the Vatican and United Nations
Mother Teresa was asked to speak at the Vatican and the United Nations and was one of only a few people who were invited.
Roads and buildings after her name
Mother Teresa was honored with many roads and buildings being named after her.
Why Saint Teresa Canonisation Day in Albania is Important
It expresses gratitude
First, this day is an opportunity for Albanians to express their gratitude toward Mother Teresa. Not only for her devotion but for all she has done for them and humanity.
It inspires people
Saint Teresa is one of the most famous women in history who left her mark not just in Albania but the rest of the world. Her life has inspired many people, including Pope Francis, who said that her life and work motivated him.
It appreciates her spirit
Her spirit of service can be appreciated by anyone regardless of religion or ethnicity. It shows how Saint Teresa is an example for all of us and that we should all strive to serve others just like she did.
Saint Teresa Canonisation Day in Albania dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | September 5 | Friday |
2026 | September 5 | Saturday |
2027 | September 5 | Sunday |
2028 | September 5 | Tuesday |
2029 | September 5 | Wednesday |