Show Notes
The world’s most famous nun, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 19th October, 2003, putting her on a fast-track to sainthood. (Normally, a would-be saint has to wait five years after death).
A quarter-of-a-million pilgrims flocked to St. Peter’s Square to see her giant portrait unveiled, while the frail Pope, celebrating his 25th year in office, declared her “an icon of the Good Samaritan.” The city was overflowing with blue-and-white habits, souvenir figurines, and ‘Mother Teresa: The Musical’ was playing nearby.
In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly review the ‘miracle’ Teresa performed from heaven; reveal the private letters that suggested she may have had doubts about her faith; and explain (one of the reasons) why her trademark white sari with blue trim has not crossed over to the catwalk…
Further Reading:
• ‘Pope Beatifies Mother Teresa’ (The New York Times, 2002): https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/19/international/europe/pope-beatifies-mother-teresa.html
• ‘The Miracles That Made Mother Teresa a Saint’ (Biography, 2025): https://www.biography.com/religious-figures/a64717173/mother-teresa-miracles-sainthood
• ‘Ceremonies to mark beatification of Mother Teresa’ (AP, 2002): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uuuma-Ft7K0
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The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.
Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.
Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.
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