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Pope Francis has officially added the feast day of St. Teresa of Kolkata to the General Roman Calendar, ensuring that her "Optional Memorial shall be celebrated by all on 5 September every year." This decision was announced by Cardinal Arthur Roche and Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola in a decree published by the Vatican on February 11.
Previously, the feast day was included only in the proper calendar of the Missionaries of Charity and India. Now, it is part of the universal church calendar. The decree, dated December 24, highlights that "Canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis, the name of Teresa of Calcutta continues to shine out as a source of hope for many men and women who seek consolation amidst tribulations of body and spirit."
The pope's decision came after requests from bishops, religious figures, and laypeople worldwide. The decree notes her influence across different parts of the world as a reason for this inclusion.
Cardinal Roche described Mother Teresa as “a beacon of hope," emphasizing her dedication to humble service and defending human life. He noted that bishops' conferences globally would need to translate prayers for Mass on her feast day from Latin and have these translations confirmed by the dicastery.
The collect or opening prayer for Mass on her feast day reflects "the heart of her spirituality: the call to satisfy the thirst of Jesus Christ on the Cross by answering with love the needs of the most needy," according to Cardinal Roche. The Gospel reading chosen for this occasion is from St. Matthew's 25th chapter, highlighting "the works of mercy" such as feeding the hungry and visiting prisoners.
