"Mother Teresa: Life, Spirituality, and Message" is the title of an exhibition dedicated to the saint, on display at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine now until early November.
This temporary exhibit focuses on the life and mission of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, narrating her journey from childhood to her canonization. The display features more than 60 panels, accompanied by photographs and copies of documents from the Missionaries of Charity archives, that illustrate her life story and highlight her spiritual beliefs and her message of profound love for God and others.
The exhibition, created in collaboration with the Mother Teresa Institute in Washington, D.C., also includes a first-class relic available for veneration (alongside a permanent relic of the blood of Saint John Paul II).
Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, who knew about the deep friendship between these saints and serves as the director of the Institute and postulator for Mother Teresa's canonization, encourages everyone to visit the exhibition.
"These two great saints were passionate missionaries with extraordinary love and compassion for humanity," said Father Kolodiejchuk. "Both shared the good news with the world that knowing Christ Jesus is of immeasurable value. The witness of their lives inspires us to be tireless missionary disciples, spreading the light of God's love, especially to the poorest and most in need."
The exhibition provides biographical information about Mother Teresa's birth, her family life, her entrance into religious life as a Sister of Loreto, the beginnings of the Missionaries of Charity, and the establishment of the MC Fathers.
Among the relics on display are Mother Teresa's sari, handkerchief, rosary, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and original writings (including personal notes and letters to the members of the MC). Other items include copies of her baptismal certificate, vow papers, original Constitutions, and replicas of the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize, the Nobel Peace Prize, and the Honorary Doctorate from Harvard University.
Mother Teresa "offers a strong example for everyone, believers and non-believers. She leaves witness to God's love, which she embraced, and which transformed her life into a complete gift to her brothers and sisters," said Anthony Picarello, director of the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, echoing the sentiments of Saint John Paul II.
The Saint John Paul II National Shrine continues the mission and legacy of Saint John Paul II. The permanent exhibition features inspiring videos, interactive displays, personal items of the pontiff, and a relic (in the chapel).
The shrine is located at 3900 Harewood Road Northeast in Washington, DC. For more information, call (202) 635-5400 or visit jp2shrine.org.
