Peruvian cardinal praises Mother Teresa’s total surrender on anniversary

Lima, Peru, Sep 6, 2012 / 11:07 am

On the 15th anniversary of her death, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima said he hopes that the total surrender of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta will be an example of holiness for all Catholics.

The cardinal made his comments during Mass at the Missionaries of Charity "Home for Peace" in Lima on Sept. 5, the memorial of Blessed Mother Teresa and the 15th anniversary of her death.  The home provides care for the elderly and homeless.

During his homily, Cardinal Cipriani prayed that "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta may help us to persevere in the faith, because she and the saints persevered in the journey of faith, with clarity and joy. They struggled and strived for years," he said.

"How could Mother Teresa do that work amidst hardship? The answer is, she didn't do it; God did. That is the holiness to which we are all called," the cardinal said.

He also encouraged the Missionaries of Charity and their volunteers to follow the example of Mother Teresa in their service to those most in need, the poorest of the poor.

"That path to holiness is beautiful but also full of sacrifice. Mother Teresa had an arduous journey in life, with faith, perseverance and daily effort. She made that total surrender," Cardinal Cipriani affirmed.

At the conclusion of Mass, the cardinal blessed the children and elderly at the home.