J.M.J. I met Mother
Teresa several times when I was studying Canon Law in Rome from 1992 until
1994, having been assigned by the Most Reverend Paul V. Dudley, D.D.
I was asked to
celebrate Mass, hear Confessions and teach classes to the Missionaries of
Charity in several of their Convents throughout Rome (San Gregorio; Primavalle; Via Casilina; Dono di Maria).
Many of the
American priests studying in Rome were asked to do the same.
Mother Teresa
came to Rome to see her Sisters, be present for their Temporary and Perpetual
Professions and have audiences with Pope John Paul II.
I remember
that once she went to the Pontifical Gregorian University where I was a student
and spoke to the students in the Hall there.
She spoke
English as did all the Missionaries of Charity.
I celebrated
Mass in her presence and distributed Holy Communion to her. She knelt and sat
on the floor just as the other Sisters. She sought no privileges.
When the Laity
heard that she would be present at the 6:30 a.m. Mass at the Convent at San
Gregorio, they packed the small Chapel before 6:00 a.m. After Mass, Mother
Teresa would hand each person a Miraculous Medal. She smiled but said little.
One day, I was
asked to hear the Confessions of the Novices in the Convent at San Gregorio.
When I was leaving, I noticed that Mother Teresa was in the hallway. No one
else was around. She walked towards me and said, "Father, thank you for
coming to hear the Confessions of our Sisters." Then, she took my hand and
touched each finger as she said,: "Father, remember this: I will . . . I
want . . . with God's help . . . be . . . holy. Father, never forget
that."
Monsignor John J. McEneaney and Father Donald J. Kettler, in December of 1993, came to Rome after their
sabbatical in the Holy Land. We met Mother Teresa one evening before Christmas.
Monsignor Aloysius R. Callaghan, the current Rector of St. Paul Seminary, was also
present.
I was present
at her Beatification Mass on October 19, 2003 (Mission Sunday), celebrated by
Pope John Paul II in Saint Peter's Square. She was beatified as "Mother Mary
Teresa of Calcutta."
After her
death, one of the Missionaries of Charity gave to me a Crucifix and Rosary that
Mother Teresa had touched.
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