Thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square today as Mother Teresa joined the ranks of other Catholic Saints -- just 19 years after her death. Normally, the process takes decades, sometimes even centuries.
Some critics are saying the Church expedited her sainthood because of her reputation and fame. Known as the "Saint of the Gutters," the Roman Catholic nun devoted her life to helping the poor.
No grandiose celebrations like that here in Tucson, but Catholics still marked the day in prayer. Some people told KGUN 9's Max Darrow that it's a day they'll never forget -- like Grace Silva.
"Well it means that God has gifted all of us with a great example of how to live our Christian life of faith," Silva said after mass at the St. Pius X Parish.
Youth Minister Lorena Contreras saw Mother Teresa as one of her biggest role models growing up.
"I look up to her as a mentor and a guide for serving the Catholic Church," Contreras said. "And being humble."
Mother Teresa - now Saint Teresa. What this means to Catholics around the world & here in #Tucson at 10. @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/rTQdAijlob
— Max Darrow (@MaxDarrowKGUN) September 5, 2016
But while many Catholics rejoice, some critics are speaking out about how quickly she became a saint -- as well as the legitimacy of her "miracles." In order to become a saint, the Vatican must approve two miracles. One that some critics are pinpointing: her alleged healing of an Indian woman's tumor.
"Even in India hardly anyone believes the miracles to be genuine," Dr. Chatterjee said. "The doctors made statements to the effect there was no miracle."
But despite what critics say, Contreras believes in Saint Teresa.
"I think if I would have ever met her, I have no doubt that everything that she did was completely true," the youth minister said. "And I do believe in her miracles and I do believe that she was able to change and save lives."
