Archbishop Lucas: Mother Teresa is ‘great patroness’ of pro-life efforts

Mother Teresa’s recognition of the sacredness of life and ability to bring Christ’s love and light to all people – even those she disagreed with – are among attributes that make her “a great patroness of the pro-life movement,” Archbishop George J. Lucas said in his homily Sept. 3 at the 17th annual Vigil for Life Mass and procession at St. Mary Church in Bellevue.

 

“She had such a powerful effect, even on people who didn’t agree with her, even if she felt they were wrong,” said the archbishop, urging prayers that all the faithful might have the same effect on others.

 

Calling her Sept. 4 canonization a “great joy,” the archbishop said those involved in the movement against abortion also can take heart that while social and other structures may not have changed much in India, where Mother Teresa served, the community is very different because “the light of Christ shines there, and the truth of Christ’s love is there.”

 

“Her life has made a difference in the place where she worked and for all of us,” the archbishop said. “It’s good to know that someone in the pro-life movement can be a saint.”

 

More than 300 people attended the vigil, which also included adoration of the Eucharist, a rosary procession to the nearby abortion clinic, Benediction and a reception.