Vatican City, Oct 19, 2003 / 22:00 pm
Mother Teresa’s entire existence was a "hymn to life" that reminds us that being Christian means being witnesses of charity, Pope John Paul II told members of Mother Teresa’s congregation in a private audience today.
"To her, I was bound with a great regard and sincere affection. For this reason, I am particularly happy to be here with you, her spiritual daughters and sons," he told the pilgrims. Some Missionaries of Charity had travelled to Rome for their foundress’ beatification yesterday.
"There is no doubt that the new Blessed was one of the greatest missionaries of the 20th century," said the Pope. "From this simple woman, from one of the poorest regions in Europe, the Lord created an instrument to announce the Gospel to the whole world not through preaching, but through the daily acts of love toward the poorest people."
Mother Teresa found her strength to place herself completely at the service of others in prayer and in the silent contemplation of Jesus Christ, said the Pope.