Special Encore: The Canonization of St. Teresa of Calcutta – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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Special Encore: The Canonization of St. Teresa of Calcutta – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

In this special encore, Msgr. Esseff reflects on his pilgrimage to Rome for the canonization of St. Teresa of Calcutta. He shares personal stories about the journey, the people he encountered, and the profound spiritual experiences he had during the trip.

In his retelling, he describes how 16 pilgrims, many with personal connections to Mother Teresa, made their way to Rome. He recalls the challenges of the journey, particularly the intense heat, and how enduring those difficulties brought a deeper connection to God’s love, much like Mother Teresa’s own life of sacrifice and how her legacy continues to touch people worldwide, with her humble and selfless love acting as a powerful witness.

The canonization itself was a profound moment, with Msgr. Esseff consecrating himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a devotion encouraged by both Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. He reflects on the universality of the event, with people of all races and backgrounds uniting in faith. This gathering, he notes, was reminiscent of Pentecost, with a shared sense of joy, love, and the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Reflect on Endurance in Suffering: How does enduring physical or emotional suffering, like the heat during the canonization, bring you closer to God’s love?
Contemplating the Legacy of Mother Teresa: In what ways does Mother Teresa’s life inspire you to reach out and touch others with God’s love?
The Role of Mary in Spiritual Growth: How can Mary’s “emptiness” and total openness to God’s will influence your spiritual life and help you better serve others?
Experiencing God’s Grace in Unexpected Ways: Have you ever received more from a spiritual journey or moment of prayer than you anticipated? How did it deepen your faith?
Unity in Diversity Through Faith: How does the universality of the Church, as witnessed during the canonization with people from all over the world, enhance your understanding of being part of the Body of Christ?
Suffering of Love and Dependence on God: In what areas of your life can you surrender more fully to God, trusting in His strength to help you endure challenges?
Living the Magnificat in Daily Life: How can you imitate Mary’s spirit of constant praise and openness to God’s will in your everyday actions?

Carrier of God’s Tender Love and Mercy

“Lord Jesus, merciful Face of the Father, you came to give us the Good News of the Father’s mercy and tenderness.
We thank you for the gift of our dearest Mother, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, who will be canonized in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. You chose her to be your presence, your love and compassion to the brokenhearted, the unwanted, the abandoned and the dying. She responded wholeheartedly to your cry, ‘I Thirst,’ by the holiness of her life and humble works of love to the poorest of the poor.

We pray, through her intercession, for the grace to experience your merciful love and share it in our own families, communities and with all our suffering brothers and sisters. Help us to give our “hearts to love and hands to serve” after the example of Mother Teresa. Lord Jesus, bless every member of our family, our parish, our diocese, our country, especially those most in need, that we all may be transformed by your merciful love. Amen.”

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to Saint Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.