Witnesses to Unity. Day 6: Mother Teresa

An Octave of Prayers for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Welcome to Day Six of a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, brought to you by three Catholic spirituality centers. We invite you to pray with us as we post short prayers and reflections based the witness of eight ecumenical leaders, for each of the eight days.

The spirituality centers are the Marillac Center in Leavenworth, Kansas, the Sophia Center in Atchison, Kansas and Precious Blood Renewal Center in Liberty, Missouri.

We encourage you to share these prayers with members of your family and circle of acquaintances, including those who belong to another faith tradition.

Together, let us pray. (pause)

A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians 4:1-6

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

St. Teresa of Calcutta

St. Teresa of Calcutta, still commonly known as Mother Teresa, dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor and became an iconic figure in the pursuit of compassion and charity. Born on Aug. 26, 1910, in Skopje (now in North Macedonia), she felt a calling to religious life at a young age. At 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she took the name Teresa and began her journey in missionary work.

In 1929, she traveled to India, where she taught at a school for girls in Calcutta. However, it was during a train journey in 1946 that she experienced what she called “the call within the call.” She felt compelled to leave her teaching position and serve the destitute and dying in the slums of Calcutta. This pivotal moment led her to establish the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an order devoted to serving the “hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, and uncared for throughout society.”

Under her leadership, the Missionaries of Charity expanded rapidly, opening homes for the dying, orphanages, and schools. Mother Teresa’s approach was deeply rooted in love and dignity, emphasizing that every person is a reflection of God. Her work transcended cultural and religious boundaries, as she welcomed anyone willing to help in her mission, fostering a sense of unity among diverse communities and diverse religious backgrounds.

St. Teresa’s life was characterized by humility and dedication. She often stated that her work was not about making headlines but about serving Christ through the most marginalized. Her famous quote, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love,” encapsulates her philosophy that every act of kindness contributes to the greater good.

Despite her profound impact, Mother Teresa faced criticism and challenges throughout her life, including scrutiny regarding the conditions in her facilities and her views on suffering. Yet, she remained steadfast in her mission, believing that love and service were paramount.

Her legacy extends beyond her lifetime; in 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work.

She died on Sept. 5, 1997. The Catholic church formally recognized her as a saint in 2016 when she was canonized by Pope Francis, becoming a symbol of compassion and selflessness.

St. Teresa’s life beautifully aligns with the themes of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the call in Ephesians 4:1-6. Her commitment to serving others, regardless of their background, embodies the spirit of unity that transcends divisions. As we reflect on her example, we are inspired to pursue love and compassion in our own lives, working toward a world that embraces the dignity of every person.

Take a minute of silence now, and reflect:

• How can I embody the values of humility, patience, and love in my daily interactions, especially with those who are different from me?
• In what ways can I actively serve those who are marginalized or in need around me, following the example of St. Teresa?
• How do I understand the concept of being “one body” in Christ, and what steps can I take to strengthen relationships with fellow believers across different denominations?

 Then pray:

God of all People, we thank You for the example of St. Teresa of Calcutta, who showed us the power of love and service in a world often marked by division. Help us to embody her spirit of humility, patience, and compassion as we seek to live out our faith in our communities. May we recognize Christ in everyone we encounter, especially the marginalized and suffering, and be inspired to act with grace and truth.

During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, unite us in our diverse expressions of faith, reminding us that we are one body in Christ. Strengthen our commitment to serve one another and to foster understanding across denominations. Guide us as we strive to be lights in the darkness, working together to reflect Your love and justice in the world. Amen.

Thank you for praying with us today. Please join us again tomorrow.

All of the prayers in this series can be found here: Witnesses to Unity: Prayers for Christian Unity.

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Watch our introductory video

Learn more about these Catholic Spirituality Centers:

The Marillac Center, the retreat and spirituality center of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, in Leavenworth, Kansas.

The Sophia Center is a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas.

Precious Blood Renewal Center, in Liberty, Missouri, is a ministry of the United States Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, a Catholic religious order.

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