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MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA: a Personal Portrait, by Msgr Leo Maasburg

Reviewed by Br Barry Coldrey

Contents - Jun 2013 - Buy a copy now Homily: Benedict XVI's Corpus Christi homily - Pope Benedict XVI Pope begins reform of the Vatican Curia - Peter Westmore News: The Church Around the World Youth: Melbourne to host Australian Catholic Youth Festival - Br Barry Coldrey St Joseph the Worker: Pope Francis: Work is essential to the dignity of the person Farcical history: the 'Gospel of Jesus' wife' - Frank Mobbs Redefining marriage: what of the rights of children? - Denise Hunnell The strange story of Mr Douglas Hyde - Damian Wyld Why we need the Rosary - Cedric Wright The Boston bombings: facing the reality of evil in the world - Bishop Arthur Serratelli The elephant in the sanctuary - Paul MacLeod Letters: Rights of children - Arnold Jago Letters: Truth about marriage - Name and Address Supplied Letters: Year of Faith - Edward P. Evans Letters: Liturgical heritage - 'Temple Policeman' Books: YOUCAT: Youth Prayer Book, by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn - Peter Westmore (reviewer) Books: SEXUALITY EXPLAINED, by Louise Kirk - Peter Westmore (reviewer) Books: SAINTS WHO SAW MARY, by Raphael Brown - Br Barry Coldrey (reviewer) Books: AGE OF MARTYRS: from Diocletian to Constantine, Abbot Joseph Ricciotti - Br Barry Coldrey (reviewer) Books: MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA: a Personal Portrait, by Msgr Leo Maasburg - Br Barry Coldrey (reviewer) Books: Order books from www.freedompublishing.com.au Reflection: Marriage: a reflection of Christ's love for us - Fr Paul Chandler

MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA:
a Personal Portrait
by Msgr Leo Maasburg
(Ignatius Press, 2011, hardback, 206pp, $35.00. ISBN 978-1-58617-555-9. Available from Freedom Publishing)

Mother Teresa of Calcutta scarcely requires an introduction given that the mass media has presented her extraordinary achievements to the world over many years. She was a legend in her own time and an iconic figure after her death.

Among the numerous books written about Mother Teresa, what is distinctive about the present work? Importantly, Msgr Maasburg was closer to Mother Teresa than most of her biographers, being a friend for many years as her spiritual advisor, translator and confessor.

Maasburg travelled with her in India, Rome, and on many journeys ranging from Moscow, to Cuba and New York.

In the process, Maasburg witnessed numerous miracles and little-known occurrences – wonderful and delightful stories recounted in this book. For example, her launch of a Spanish orphanage without any funds and, at the same time, saving a declining railway company from ruin. Others concern her work in the Soviet Union after the Armenian earthquakes of 1988 and in Nicaragua where she confronted the Sandinista rebels. There are many more.

All accounts underline her limitless trust in God's love, of the power of faith to move mountains, and of hope that can never die. They reveal a humorous, gifted, wise and arresting woman who has a message for our troubled times.

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 26 No 5 (June 2013), p. 18