Here's 3 reasons why the canonization of Mother Teresa matters to you

Her example has already changed thousands of lives. Will it change yours too?

On September 4, 2016, Pope Francis will canonize Mother Teresa as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. Her canonization is an important event for Catholics and all people around the world. Here are 3 reasons why.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - When Mother Teresa is canonized on September 4, she will be most remembered for her selfless charity. Mother Teresa worked with the poorest of the poor in Calcutta (Kolkata), India, serving lepers and others who would otherwise suffer without care. Her services were given freely, and her example was followed by the sisters in the order she founded, the Missionaries of Charity.

1. Mother Teresa has inspired thousands of followers in several different nations as well as individual acts of kindness around the globe. She has been mentioned as a charitable inspiration by world leaders.

Her order has 19 mission homes in Kolkata, as well as several others around the world. The Missionaries of charity also operate a school, care for ex-prostitutes and run soup kitchens.

2. Another reason why Mother Teresa is important is not one that is normally advertised. Mother Teresa had grave doubts about God and her relationship with Him. She questioned His presence, saying on numerous occasions she did not feel it at all. Mother Teresa said she felt this way because she saw so much suffering in the world, which is a common problem for many who question the existence and nature of God.

What is important is not that she doubted, but that she lived a faithful life in spite of her doubts. Mother Teresa knew that regardless of feeling God's presence, there was a form of right and wrong that had to be obeyed. She knew that right required charity.

She demonstrated that a person can live a faith-filled life even when filled with doubts.

3. Her message is universal. No matter what religion a person is, or if they don't believe at all, Mother Teresa's life message, to embrace suffering, especially that of the poor.

One of the great tragedies of our time, and indeed of all time, is that we tend to shun the suffering or at least avoid interacting with them.

Yet suffering is often intensified by solitude and assuaged by company. Even a small kindness can have a tremendous impact on a person's suffering. People have abandoned suicide plans, have changed faiths, and have gone on to do great things because of small gestures of kindness.

Every human being suffers and understands suffering. Every human being also understands kindness and compassion. Mother Teresa is important because she lived her life in such a way as to inspire kindness. Few people do this, and for this reason it is important to hold up her example for all to follow, Catholic or not.

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