After hosting an exhibition for the Blessed Ulma family earlier this year, the St. John Paul II National Shrine, just across the street from the Catholic University of America, is preparing to host a temporary exhibit on the life of St. Teresa of Calcutta. The exhibit was organized in collaboration with the Mother Teresa Institute and opened August 19.
Titled “Mother Teresa: Life, Spirituality and Message,” the exhibit chronicles the contemporary saint’s life from her childhood until her canonization. Her life’s story is told in over 60 panels, with accompanying photographs and documents from the Missionaries of Charity archives. Furthermore, a first-class relic of Mother Teresa is placed alongside the shrine’s permanent relic of the blood of St. John Paul II, where visitors can venerate both.
Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, Director of the Mother Teresa Institute and Postulator for Mother Teresa’s Cause for Canonization, explained that the personal friendship that these two saints shared during their lifetimes made the JPII shrine the perfect venue for this reunion. He stated in a press release:
“These two great saints were both ardent missionaries with extraordinary love and compassion for others. They both brought the good news of the ‘surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus’ to all nations. Through the witness of their lives, we are urged to be tireless missionary disciples, to spread the light of God’s love to others, especially the poorest and the neediest.”
Delving deeper into the offerings of the exhibition, organizers note that visitors will learn about 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.
While the first-class relic may be the biggest draw, there will be a wide variety of second and third-class relics as well. These include: her sari, handkerchief, rosary, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and original writings (these include personal notes and letters to MC Brothers and Sisters), and much more.
Anthony Picarello, Executive Director of the St. John Paul II National Shrine, expressed his excitement over the exhibition:
“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.’”
The “Mother Teresa: Life, Spirituality and Message” exhibition has just opened and will continue its display until early November. Visit the St. John Paul II National Shrine’s official website to learn more.
