Relics visit shows Blessed Teresa still has strong following

Submitted on July 21, 2010

By Jennifer Brinker | jbrinker@stlouisreview.com

Oralynn Allen, 84, kissed a relic of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta last week as it was held by a Missionaries of Charity nun at Sts. Teresa and Bridget Parish in North St. Louis. In 1978, Allen escorted Mother Teresa around St. Louis during a visit. “We walked and walked all over St. Louis,” Allen said. For one afternoon, the Missionaries of Charity placed on display relics of Blessed Teresa’s blood and hair, as well as several items she used during her lifetime. The items included her sandals, a crucifix and rosary.

Jerry Naunheim Jr.

It has been said that everywhere she went, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta had a following.

The same could be said of her in death.

Last week, dozens of people ventured into the sweltering heat to view several relics and other items that once belonged to the founder of the Missionaries of Charity. The items were on display for one afternoon at Sts. Teresa and Bridget Parish, in the JeffVanderLou neighborhood of North St. Louis. The Missionaries of Charity St. Louis convent is just a few blocks away.