The Missionaries of Charity, founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, are a striking contemplative counterpoint to the festive atmosphere enveloping the Vatican during the Jubilee of Youth.
Newsroom (01/08/2025, Gaudium Press ) Amid the vibrant throngs of Gen Z pilgrims chanting and snapping selfies in St. Peter’s Square, a group of religious sisters in white saris with blue stripes kneels barefoot in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. The Missionaries of Charity, founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, are a striking contemplative counterpoint to the festive atmosphere enveloping the Vatican during the Jubilee of Youth.
More than 50 sisters are in Rome this week, their mission encapsulated by a 25-year-old Spanish sister who, adhering to her congregation’s rule of anonymity, declined to be named. “To give them Jesus,” she said simply, describing their purpose.
Known for their vow of extreme poverty and dedication to serving “the poorest of the poor,” the sisters are praying for the thousands of young pilgrims gathered in the Eternal City. Their outreach, however, extends beyond prayer. Along the Via della Conciliazione, the grand avenue leading to St. Peter’s Basilica, they engage young people one-on-one, inviting them to Eucharistic adoration and sharing the legacy of Mother Teresa.
Handing out Miraculous Medals and teaching short prayers dear to their founder, such as “Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now,” the sisters embody a simplicity that resonates amid the jubilee’s energy.
Pilgrims can visit the sisters at the Pius IX Pontifical School near the Vatican, where the Missionaries of Charity have established a welcome center. A small exhibit displays Mother Teresa’s sari, sandals, and personal items, alongside a first-class relic—a piece of cotton preserving her blood—available for veneration. Visitors are invited to leave handwritten prayer intentions in a shoebox, which the sisters place near the altar during daily Mass. A video presentation of Mother Teresa’s life, featuring her speeches and images, plays in an adjacent room.
For some young pilgrims, this is their first encounter with the saint. One sister recounted a moment when a youth asked, “Mother Teresa? Who is that?”—a question highlighting the significance of their presence at the jubilee.
While the sisters typically avoid publicity, they’ve made an exception to connect with young people. The Spanish sister, born after Mother Teresa’s death in 1997, expressed hope that any attention drawn to her would point to Christ. She cited a prayer inspired by St. John Henry Newman, recited daily by the sisters after Communion: “Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus!”
Joining the sisters is Father Sebastian Vazhakala, co-founder of the order’s contemplative branch. Vazhakala suggested these encounters could inspire vocations, not only to the Missionaries of Charity but to other religious orders as well. “God is the one that does the calling,” he said. “But we have to create an atmosphere for it … inspiring and instilling in the hearts of people the desire for God and the desire for commitment.”
Living Memories of Mother Teresa
Vazhakala, who worked with Mother Teresa for over 30 years, shared vivid memories of her lessons in faith and service. He recalled a moment in 1960s Calcutta when a sick, homeless man was brought to them repeatedly. Frustrated, Vazhakala questioned the point of helping someone who would likely return to the streets. Mother Teresa’s response was resolute: “Are you living tomorrow and yesterday? … This man is in need of your help now. If he needs your help now, don’t ask questions. Do it.”
Her emphasis on the present moment as a divine gift left a lasting impression. Vazhakala recounted how, after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, Mother Teresa was asked about the most significant day of her life. Her answer: “Today.”
“‘I can do something today. I can love people. I can help others. I can pray,’” she told the journalist.
At the Jubilee of Youth, the Missionaries of Charity carry forward this message through their quiet prayers, humble presence, and invitations to pause and meet Christ in the present moment. Their witness offers a timeless contrast to the exuberance of youth, pointing pilgrims toward a deeper encounter with faith.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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