By Jennifer Mauro | Associate Editor
In honor of Mother Teresa’s canonization, the Diocese’s Department of Multimedia Production is making available two video productions – footage of the soon-to-be saint’s 1995 visit to Trenton, and a mini-documentary featuring interviews from around the Diocese that includes material from her order’s convent in Asbury Park.
One of the productions, a “The Catholic Corner” episode from 1995, features video of Mother Teresa’s visit to St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. In the footage, then-Bishop John C. Reiss welcomes Mother Teresa and Missionaries of Charity sisters, emphasizing the importance of their work.
The video features nearly 15 minutes of Mother Teresa personally addressing the congregation, speaking about vocations, ministry and the importance of prayer, especially the impact it can have on strengthening families.
“Prayer gives us a clean heart,” she says. “Prayer also deepens our faith. And the fruit of faith is always love. And the fruit of love is service. And the fruit of service is peace.”
Among the more moving highlights is watching Mother Teresa’s reaction as Bishop Reiss invites the Missionaries of Charity to establish a residence in the Diocese.
“The presence of your sisters in our Diocese would be a tremendous blessing in our mission to serve the poor and needy in our midst,” he says. The Missionaries of Charity convent would be established in Asbury Park only four years later.
Marianne Hartman, the Diocese’s Department of Multimedia Production director, said it was important to re-publish the video online because Mother Teresa’s visit was a historic day for the Diocese.
Though Hartman was busy coordinating multimedia coverage and staff during Mother Teresa’s visit, she said there was still a feeling that they were in the presence of a saint.
“I think we all knew it was only a matter of time,” she said of the canonization.
In addition, “Remembering St. Teresa’s Visit to Trenton” will be available online by late September. This reflective mini-documentary features original footage from the day as well as interviews with priests, deacons, religious and laity who reflect back on the excitement surrounding Mother’s visit and how her presence created a sense of calm and awe.
Volunteers involved with the Missionaries of Charity sisters in Asbury Park and those they serve are also featured in the video.
To view the 30-minute video of Mother Teresa’s visit to the Diocese, visit dioceseoftrenton.org.
To view the mini-documentary, visit trentonmonitor.com, dioceseoftrenton.org or the diocesan YouTube channel, youtube.com/trentondiocese.