Here, at Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, we gather to remember a woman whose life was a testament to compassion. This parish, named in her honor, stands as a beacon of her enduring legacy. Let’s delve into the story of Blessed Mother Teresa’s connection to Boston.
The story begins long before this parish was established. Mother Teresa, known for her tireless work among the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, extended her reach to Boston. She arrived in Boston in June 1987. She sought to establish a permanent home for the Missionaries of Charity. These nuns had already been living in Roxbury. They resided in a home occupied by the Little Brothers of St. Francis.
Mother Teresa recognized a universal hunger. It was a hunger for love. She urged everyone to be a sign of compassion. She wanted them to be the presence of Christ to those in need. She also expressed her hope to open a home for AIDS victims in Boston. She acknowledged that every society has people who are unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.
In June 1988, Mother Teresa again visited Boston. This time, she brought her message of love and peace to inmates. Her trip included visits to prisons in Concord, Framingham, and Walpole. At the Concord House of Correction, she spoke to prisoners. She blessed 500 rosaries. Cardinal Bernard Law, the archbishop of Boston, celebrated the Mass.
Mother Teresa sat among the inmates during the service. She later spoke, urging them to use their time in confinement to come closer to God. She told them that God loves them tenderly. She encouraged them to get rid of any bitterness. She promised to pray for them.
One prisoner described feeling an entity of love throughout the institution. He recognized that prison can be a hostile environment. He believed her visit would bring calm for a few days. When asked about visiting the prison, Mother Teresa said, “They are our brothers. They need tender love and care in spite of what they have done.”
Her visit to the prisons stemmed partly from a correspondence with Donald Ouimet. He was an inmate at Walpole. He was a former Capuchine Franciscan Monk. Mother Teresa’s impact extended beyond prisons. Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston shared his early encounter with her. It was when he was teaching at Catholic University. The college honored her, but only about 30 people attended.
Cardinal O’Malley realized they were in the presence of an exceptional person. He regretted that the celebration wasn’t held at the National Shrine. He felt all students and teachers should have witnessed her ministry. Later, Malcolm Muggeridge made Mother Teresa known to the world through his television program. It was titled “Something Beautiful for God.”
Mother Teresa’s life exemplifies holiness. She lived the Beatitudes. She served the Lord in the distressing disguise of poverty, disease, and hunger. Here at Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, we strive to embody her spirit. We offer Mass and services throughout the week. We extend a welcoming hand to all who seek solace and community.
Let us carry her message of love and compassion in our hearts. Let us strive to be a sign of Christ’s presence in the world, just as she was. This parish stands as a testament to her enduring influence. May we continue to be inspired by her example.