VATICAN CITY, JULY 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Organizers for the events surrounding the beatification of Mother Teresa have published a provisional program that focuses on the universal call to holiness.
The beatification will take place Oct. 19, the same day the Church celebrates the silver anniversary of John Paul II’s pontificate, as well as World Missions Sunday.
According to the provisional program, the activities scheduled in Rome to celebrate the beatification will begin on Friday, Oct. 17, with Mass in various languages in the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The English Mass will be at 9 a.m., the Spanish at 11 a.m., and the Italian at 7 p.m. The theme for the day will be a phrase often repeated by Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “Holiness is not the luxury of a few; it is a simple duty for each one of us.”
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed that day for adoration. The sacrament of reconciliation will be available in several languages.
Saturday, Oct. 18, will begin with Mass in four languages at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The day’s theme will be “Radiating the light of Jesus with Our Lady.”
At 5 p.m., in the Vatican, there will be a prayer vigil in preparation for World Missions Sunday, organized by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, in Paul VI Hall.
The culminating moment, Mother Teresa’s beatification Mass, begins at 10 a.m. Sunday in St. Peter’s Square.
At 5:30 p.m. the first viewing will begin of the film “Mother Teresa: The Legacy.” To obtain tickets, it is necessary to contact the Missionaries of Charity at either of the following e-mail addresses: tickets@motherteresafil.com or posta@motherteresacause.info.
Monday, Oct. 20, will be a day of thanksgiving in honor of Blessed Mother Teresa. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. It will be presided over by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for Sainthood Causes. An audience with John Paul II follows the Mass; all pilgrims are invited to attend.
The relics of the new blessed will be exposed for veneration in the Basilica of St. John Lateran from Oct. 20-22.
There will also be an exhibition in Rome on Mother Teresa’s life, spirit and message, from Oct. 11-26 in the crypt of the Antonianum (Via Merulana 124).
For more information, as well as tickets for the Mass of beatification, see www.motherteresacause.info.
