From June 18 to 21, Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life,
visited with Mother Teresa at her Motherhouse in Calcutta, India. During the
four day visit, Father was able to say Mass several times for the sisters, give
them two talks on the pro-life movement, and have several personal meetings with
Mother Teresa.
Priests for Life is co-sponsor of the National Youth Day (Denver, 1994). Fr.
Pavone had been asked by Youth Day director Kevin Cunningham to assist in
extending to Mother Teresa an invitation to speak to the youth of America on the
need to be active in pro-life work. Mother Teresa gave a message of
encouragement to the youth of America to be active in fighting abortion, and
said she will try to attend the National Youth Day in Denver.
Mother Teresa was excited to hear about the work of Priests for Life, and
expressed her desire that the priests not hesitate to teach and preach on the
sanctity of life. She gave Fr. Pavone a hand-written message for the priests
which reads, ''Dear Priests of Jesus: Be only all for Jesus through Mary. Be not
afraid to let Jesus use you for His own and as His own. Be holy. Let us pray.
God bless you. Mother Teresa."
She also expressed her desire to have priests enroll themselves in "Veronica
Intercessory," whereby they will be personally prayed for by one of the
Missionaries of Charity sisters. Priests for Life can provide more information
on this.
Mother Teresa specifically requests that every priest distribute throughout
his parish copies of her speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington.
Priests for Life will assist in this distribution. Interested priests can
receive a master copy from the Priests for Life office, together with
distribution suggestions.
After hearing one of Fr. Pavone's talks to her sisters, Mother Teresa said to
Fr. Pavone, "This would be good for our priests," and took him to the
Archbishop's residence in Calcutta for a meeting with the vicar general to
arrange for a series of talks to priests, seminarians, and religious of India.
Priests for Life is quickly acquiring an international character.
Priests for Life is very grateful to Mother Teresa for her leadership on
pro-life issues. May all priests and laity follow her courageous example!
