Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa's work continues, in India and around the world

The nun, from the Missionaries of Charity order founded by Mother Teresa in 1950, points to a bassinet.

"This child lost her mother at the birth," she says.

"She delivered triplets ... and the husband did not take her to the hospital for birth. The mother died and the two other siblings died."

The baby girl's name is Hirashmi. She is five months old.

Sister Joan of Arc says the girl has a father and grandmother, but they cannot care for her.

Mother Teresa's 'horrific' legacy

For her followers, the title is a mere formality. They believe the world renowned humanitarian displayed saintly qualities throughout a life dedicated to serving the poor.

But saintly is not a word everyone uses for Mother Teresa. Her critics say she was anything but.

 

'Scene from World War 2'

Mother Teresa: How hard is it to become a saint?

Mother Teresa, the world famous nun needs little introduction, and her canonization on September 4 at the Vatican in Rome, is expected to draw huge crowds.

But what exactly is a saint and how does someone become one?

We take a closer look.

 

What is a saint?

A saint is a person who has lived a devout Catholic life, serving God and selflessly assisting people in need.

Saints act as role models and they're also believed to communicate with God on someone's behalf when a request for help is made in prayer.

Mother Teresa to be declared saint in September

Mother Teresa founded a sisterhood which runs 19 homes, and won the Nobel Peace Prize.

She died in 1997 - aged 87 - and was beatified in 2003, the first step to sainthood.

RNZI reports the Pope cleared the way for sainthood last year when he recognised a second miracle attributed to Mother Teresa.

Pope: Vatican will shelter 2 families fleeing war, hunger

Francis cited Mother Teresa, the European-born nun who cared for the poorest in India, in making his appeal in remarks to pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square.

"Faced with the tragedy of tens of thousands of refugees who are fleeting death by war and by hunger, and who are on a path toward a hope for life, the Gospel calls us to be neighbors to the smallest and most abandoned, to give them concrete hope," Frances said.