Request Input on our Blessed Mother Teresa

[ElectroPrincess]

My daughter attends our local Parish Grade School and loves Mother Teresa. She's a pre-teen. We've read and are now in the process of discussing the book "Mother Teresa, A Simple Path" 1995.

I fully understand, to especially those looking in from the outside (Atheists), that she's a controversial figure. That is, she's been seen with some very unseemly and criminal leaders who are drawn to her for many reasons that have to do with her innate charity of spirit.

I want to help my daughter understand the "full persona" of Mother Teresa. As a person who was agnostic until 1996 and only within the past year making a concerted effort to understand Catholicism, I could use some help.

In particular, I would appreciate any additional books that could be appreciated by Catholic "pre-teens" about Mother Teresa as well as any sources that can explain her passing in 1997 plus the ongoing process for her to be deemed a Catholic Saint?

Any personal perspectives would be greatly appreciated. I'm also hoping this topic may prove to be an enlightening and enjoyable discussion for our group.

On Edit: Grammar and to insert this beautiful picture of Mother Teresa.

[DemBones DemBones]

1. Our parish had a seminarian who went to India

and worked with Mother Teresa's community there for a summer. For what it's worth, he said that to be in her presence was to know you were in the presence of a living saint.

Have you tried online searching? There must be some good sites devoted to Mother Teresa. There are probably anti-Mother Teresa sites as well and if you can find any that aren't hateful (like the things Christopher Hitchens has said), maybe that would help provide balance. Some might be too hateful for a pre-teen, though.

Otherwise, I know that Pope John Paul II believed Mother Teresa was a saint while she was still living and he has speeded up her cause for canonization. That's hardly surprising since he has canonized so many people and has made a real effort to canonize people who were not members of the clergy or religious orders, not males, not Europeans, not whites.

Hope this helps a bit.

[ElectroPrincess]

2. Yes, it helps a lot - Thank you

I have used Google and uncovered many articles, pictures, audio and even video files. Most of these are recent covering her death in 1997 ... and as such remarking on her life.

You're correct about the Internet having a number of biographies of Mother Teresa not to mention book listings for purchase.

Thanks again DemBones i.b.i.d. <chuckle> for I have what I personally need to assist my daughter.

Perhaps others would like to comment on Mother Teresa within this thread. If not, I thank you all for the opportunity to express myself. :hi: