Mother Teresa of Calcutta Novena - Day 8

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Memorare: Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen (mention request here…) Mother’s Devotion to Faithfulness in the Darkness: Mother Teresa radiated the joy and peace of Christ to everyone she met throughout her entire life. But she experienced decades of spiritual darkness after the founding of the Missionaries of Charity. She mourned the loss of her spiritual connection with Jesus, but grew to realize that this was a share in the darkness of the lives of those she served and loved, those who she referred to as “HER poor.” “The physical situation of my poor left in the streets unwanted, unloved, unclaimed-are the true picture of my own spiritual life, of my love for Jesus, and yet this terrible pain has never made me desire to have it different – What’s more, I want it to be like this for as long as He wants it.” She lived a share of both the agony of her Jesus and her poor. “Make me feel what Thou hast felt. Make me share with Thee Thy pain.” She wrote that she said this day after day during Lent, “maybe only with my lips”. Mother’s love and faithfulness was an act of her Will even when there was no divine consolation to be found. This interior trial was hers alone and she stayed faithful to her God and her mission throughout it. “If I ever become a saint-I will surely be one of ‘darkness.’ I will continually be absent from heaven – to light the light of those in darkness on earth.” Prayer: Father, after Mother Teresa’s death, you allowed the letters that revealed her spiritual trials to be revealed to be a comfort to the suffering and to crown her anew with the admiration of those who thought she had to be in constant consolation in order to live her life of service. Send your Spirit to help us stay faithful when we face trials of faith or charity and do not feel you near. Jesus we know you are near even when we do not feel your presence. We trust you no matter what. Amen In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.Amen.