Catholic bishops hail reports that Mother Teresa is to become a saint

(Wikipedia photo)

MANILA—Filipino Catholic prelates have been elated over the reports that Mother Teresa is to become a saint after the Vatican recognized the second miracle attributed to her.

Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said they welcome the good news, which is not only for Filipinos but also for all the people of the world who love Mother Teresa, especially the poor.

“It’s a great news not only for us Filipinos but for all the people of the world. This is a welcome news, especially this year that we are celebrating the extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy,” he said.

The Bulacan prelate added, “Mother Teresa is a living image of God’s mercy because she dedicated her life in service of the poor and the abandoned. Let us ask her to intercede that we may also be the bearers of God’s mercy to those who desperately need His mercy.”

For Lipa Bishop Ramon Arguelles, “The Blessed Mother had been close to the Filipinos. I had the joy of seeing her in one of her visits in 1978. She loved the poor.”

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco added that the people, especially Catholics, need models like Mother Teresa, who loved what she was doing in caring and helping the less fortunate.

“We need models who live and work not for themselves but for others to glorify God. Love is best expressed in her whole life as a witness to Christ,” he added.

For Baguio Bishop Carlito Cenzon, “Mother Teresa loved the poor. We can follow her example.”

On Friday, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to Mother Teresa, which paved the way to her sainthood.