Mother Teresa is a name that has become synonymous with goodwill and charity across the world in recent times, and while this association can be attributed mostly to popularity, its roots can be traced back to the nun’s medical aid work in India. As of September 4th, Mother Teresa will be officially recognized as a saint in the eyes of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. This announcement came from Pope Francis after approval of the second miraculous intercession by the soon-to-be-saint in December, which is the last step to the road to sainthood.
An exhaustive and lengthy process, the canonization of a saint can only begin after the candidate has passed away, which in the case of Mother Teresa was in 1997. Once suggested to the local bishop, a review is conducted and the candidate will be ordained the title “Servant of God”. If deemed holy enough, the cause for canonization will be sent to Rome and a more comprehensive review will be conducted, and with the approval of the Pope, the candidate will gain the title “Venerable”.
If the candidate’s cause has progressed thus far, there are only two more curious steps. The first of this is a documented and proven miracle that has occurred after the death of the candidate, and the second is another miracle after the recognition of the first. According to the Catholic Church, these miracles are evidence of the candidate being in heaven. While not necessarily required to be medical miracles, they almost always are. Each miracle is scrutinized by theologians, scientists, and skeptics under the conditions that the miracle be instantaneous, lasting, and unexplainable so as to prove without a reasonable doubt that they are a result of heavenly intercession.
Now that Mother Teresa has completed the process and will soon be canonized, her life will be appreciated as one marked by sanctity and loving—a life worthy of imitation. However, while the church has agreed on her holiness, a quick Google search will find some compelling evidence to suggest otherwise. The nun is most well known for her care of the poor and the sick in India and other third world countries, opening over 500 missions across. In reality however, the management and practicality of her work is much bleaker.
Mother Teresa accepted money from Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier and many other questionable characters, and while they were charitable donations, only small amounts went to funding her missions. Studies from the University of Montreal and the University of Ottawa found that patients under Mother Teresa’s care were often subject to malnourishment, lack of hygiene, and inadequate medical care. Ironically, one could suppose it a miracle that anyone got healthy in one of her hospitals. These decidedly unholy facts put a stain on the nun’s canonization.
Regardless of this problematic legacy, the message being conveyed should not be forgotten. The church is honouring an image of benevolence and care with the hope that others will be inspired to care for those less fortunate. Thus, with good intentions but more than likely damning practice, Mother Teresa will become the newest recognized saint of the Catholic Church.
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