Vatican officials say new book illustrates Mother Teresa's strength

Published: 2007-08-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Vatican officials said a new book detailing Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta's long "crisis of faith" illustrates her spiritual strength in the face of doubt. "This is a figure who had moments of uncertainty and discouragement, experiencing the classic dark night that God gives to chosen people in order to forge them on the road to holiness," said Spanish Cardinal Julian Herranz, a member of the Congregation for Saints' Causes. "These moments of crisis felt by great saints are normal and in line with the church's tradition," Cardinal Herranz said Aug. 26. The letters are being published in English in the upcoming book, "Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light," edited by Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, a member of the Missionaries of Charity order founded by Mother Teresa and the postulator of her sainthood cause. Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher of the papal household, told Vatican Radio that what distinguished Mother Teresa's "dark night" was that it apparently continued throughout her life and was not a preparation for a new spiritual stage as with other saints.

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