Salisbury psychologist recalls time spent with Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a nun best know for her compassionate work with the poor, will officially become a saint this September after Pope Francis made it official on Tuesday.

Salisbury psychologist Michael Finegan, who studied under her during the 1980’s, told 47 ABC, “I think that what was so extraordinary was how she was a simple woman, that loved God, that served her god through serving mankind,”

Finegan says he served with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity in India on two separate occasions. There he helped them care for the dying poor. He says it was through Mother Teresa’s leadership that he learned a variety of lessons. Lessons that he still puts into practice everyday.

“Mother Teresa with her leadership of humility, of addressing problems, of being patient, of being sensitive, of having an open mind,” Said “that’s one of the factors that I use to help my patients with anxiety or depression,”

Mother Teresa passed away in 1997. Father Chris LaBarge of Saint Francis De Sales tells us that it’s rather uncommon to see some reach sainthood as fast as Mother Teresa will.
“it is rare because generally the process used to take a long time,” LaBarge said. “she was almost considered a living saint,”

Finegan says he was pleased to hear that his one-time mentor would be canonized. Even though he says she might not be a big proponent of fame.

“I perceive Mother is smiling. Because she would not want the notoriety, she would not want the fame,” Said Finegan.

Mother Teresa’s canonization will take place on September 4th which falls on the eve of the 19th anniversary of her death.