Inscription of S. Teresa of Calcutta in the General Roman Calendar

DICASTERY FOR DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS

Prot. N. 703/24

DECREE

On the inscription of the celebration of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Virgin,

in the General Roman Calendar

“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mk 10:43). Radically living the Gospel and boldly proclaiming it, Saint Teresa of Calcutta is a witness to the dignity and honour of humble service. By choosing not only to be the least, but the servant of the least, she became a model of mercy and an authentic icon of the Good Samaritan. Indeed, for her, mercy was the “salt” that gave flavour to every one of her works, and the “light” that brightened the darkness of all those who didn’t even have tears left to shed over their poverty and suffering.

 Jesus’ cry on the cross, “I thirst” (Jn 19,28), cut Saint Teresa to the quick. Thus, for her whole life she dedicated herself completely to satiate the thirst of Jesus Christ for love and souls, serving him amongst the poorest of the poor. Filled with the love of God, she radiated that same love in equal measure to others.

 Canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis, the name of Teresa of Calcutta continues to shine out as a source of hope for many men and women who seek consolation amidst tribulations of body and spirit.

 Therefore, Pope Francis, accepting the petitions and desires of Pastors, Religious men and women, as well as Associations of the Faithful, and considering the influence exercised by the spirituality of Saint Teresa in different parts of the world, has decreed that the name of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Virgin, shall be inscribed in the General Roman Calendar and her Optional Memorial shall be celebrated by all on 5 September every year.

 This new Memorial is to be inserted in all Calendars and Liturgical Books for the celebration of Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, adopting the texts attached to the present decree, which must be translated, approved, and after confirmation by this Dicastery, published by the Episcopal Conferences.

 All things to the contrary notwithstanding.

 From the offices of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 24 December 2024.

Arthur Card. Roche

Prefect

+  Vittorio Francesco Viola, O.F.M.

Archbishop Secretary