Atlanta basilica celebrates canonization of Mother Teresa

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will hold a special mass Sunday to celebrate the canonization of Mother Teresa.

The Roman Mother Teresa, also known as Blessed Mother Teresa, will be canonized on that day at the Vatican.

She visited Atlanta in 1995 and attended mass at the basilica for the dedication of the Gift of Grace House, an HIV/AIDS hospice for indigent women.

Mass begins at 6 p.m. at the basilica, which is located at 353 Peachtree St. N.E.

The Missionaries of Charity will also offer a Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of St. Teresa of Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), who founded their order.

The Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Monday 12:10 p.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Rd. A reception will follow in Kenny Hall.

The Albanian nun and missionary earned the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize for her work on behalf of the poor, sick and outcast in India. She died 19 years ago.

Her sainthood has not been without controversy. Some critics say she created a negative image of the Indian city. Others say she glorified the poor and sick instead of truly helping them.

LEARN MORE

Mother Teresa's canonization mass from Rome will be carried live on ETWN at 4 a.m. Sunday Sept. 4