New film introduces Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity to a new generation
New film introduces Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity to a new generation
Three decades prior, the Catholic Church was influenced by two prominent saints. Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa of Calcutta were ubiquitous. Their images, messages, and teachings captivated the globe. Their dynamic methods, characterized by relentless travel and evident personal devotion, were a fixture in both international news and in both Catholic and secular media.
And now it has been 25 years since Mother Teresa passed away. The younger generation of Catholics no longer has any personal recollection of her. In my experience instructing undergraduates, they recognize the name of Mother Teresa and are familiar with her image, but I have discovered that their understanding of her mission is lacking.
Contemporary students are largely unaware of Mother’s efforts for the underprivileged. They lack knowledge of her strong advocacy against abortion on an international platform. They remain ignorant of her deep prayer life. They did not witness the news footage of her in Washington or grieve her passing, which notably aligned with the unfortunate demise of Princess Diana. It’s possible they aren’t even aware of that detail.
To assist a new generation in recognizing and appreciating Mother Teresa, the Knights of Columbus has recently created a documentary on her life. The movie, “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love,” debuted in the United States on Sept. 11 at the National Shrine of St. John Paul II in Washington, D.C. Present were over 40 exuberant — even ecstatic — members of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, easily recognizable in their iconic, white cotton saris with blue accents.
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly highlighted the enduring connection between the Knights of Columbus and the order founded by Mother Teresa. Kelly remarked, “The Knights of Columbus have enjoyed a thirty-year bond with Mother Teresa, tracing back to one of my predecessors, Virgil Dechant.” Kelly modestly conveyed that the Knights have supplied various resources, including printing capabilities and tabernacles, to support the efforts of the Missionaries of Charity.
“This movie is truly a creation of the Holy Spirit,” remarked Director David Naglieri during a panel discussion following the screening. “I believe that Mother Teresa might have been influencing events from above because so much needed to align for this film to be finished on schedule.” Naglieri emphasized the particular difficulties faced in sustaining production amid the logistical hurdles presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Furthermore, Naglieri highlighted that due to the Missionaries of Charity’s aversion to public attention, significant efforts were necessary to locate footage for the film. He mentioned, “We had to scour archives worldwide for the footage and images.”
“We didn’t intend to create merely a chronological biography,” Nalieri stated. “Our goal was to illustrate how her essence and her mission continue to thrive in the present.” The film oscillates between pivotal events in Mother Teresa’s life and contemporary accounts of the Missionaries of Charity. It effectively acquaints viewers with the Missionaries today, uncovering their discreet efforts for the underprivileged across the globe.
Jim Wahlberg, the sibling of actor and filmmaker Mark Wahlberg, is among the Catholic commentators highlighted in the film. His life was transformed after meeting Mother Teresa while in prison, but initially, when the prison chaplain informed him about her upcoming visit, he was unaware of her identity. Wahlberg expressed at the premiere: “In the film, I ask Father Jim Fratus, ‘Who is Mother Teresa?’” “Now, as I am here,” he went on, “I recognize the visage of Mother Teresa in each of you lovely sisters, and it’s simply beautiful. It’s incredibly moving to me.”
Sister Berniece, MC, the inaugural African American Missionary of Charity, commended the film, conveying to its creators, “God has bestowed the Holy Spirit upon you to create this for the world; it is essential, to inform the world that numerous individuals are still in need.” With great seriousness and honesty, she proclaimed, “You accomplished such an exquisite task that I will pray until God summons me home that you will be among those who enter into eternity.”
The movie premiere was merely one highlight of a weekend filled with activities that featured an academic symposium, a Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the inauguration of the recently formed Mother Teresa Institute, a Holy Hour, and additional events.
Having been raised observing Mother Teresa in the global spotlight, this documentary film excellently portrays her life, narrates her tale, and conveys her legacy to upcoming generations. Be sure to catch the documentary when it premieres in theaters nationwide during a special two-day event on Oct. 3-4.
Father Patrick Briscoe, OP, is editor of Our Sunday Visitor. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMaryOP.
