Ten Years Ago the World Said "Good-Bye" to One of the Most Beloved Women of Our Time

Contact: Christine Schicker, 404-610-8871; Ashley Walker, 678-990-9032; both with the Maximus Group

HUNTINGTON, In., Nov. 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- The year 2007 marks the tenth anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the diminutive Albanian nun whose heroic works of charity and compassion won her the friendship of Pope John Paul II, the admiration of millions the world over, and a Nobel Peace Prize. Yet now, when she is only step away from canonization, the Catholic Church's formal declaration that Mother Teresa is truly a saint, the publication of some of Mother Teresa's private correspondence in which she admitted to suffering doubts and spiritual trials have caused confusion even among Mother Teresa's most ardent admirers.

The release of Mother Teresa: In the Shadow of Our Lady (Our Sunday Visitor, 2007) could not be more timely. The book's author, Father Joseph Langford, was one of Mother Teresa's closest co-workers, the priest she asked to help her found the Missionaries of Charity Fathers, the priestly branch of her community. In this book--the first ever to detail the spirituality of Mother Teresa--Father Langford reveals that it was the Blessed Virgin Mary who by her constant presence consoled and strengthened Mother Teresa during her "dark night of the soul."

It is the rare Catholic who is not devoted to Mary, but in Mother Teresa's case this was not a case of simple personal devotion--there was an intense spiritual relationship between the nun headline writers liked to call "the Mother of the Poor" and the Virgin of Nazareth who became the Mother of God. Even during her most anguished moments, Mother Teresa still felt the comforting, loving presence of Our Lady.

Drawing upon Mother Teresa's own experiences as well as intimate conversations with her, Father Langford shows readers how they can develop their own profound relationship with Mary, a relationship that can intensify all their joys and support and strengthen and see them through all their trials. As practical as it is inspiring, this is a handbook that reveals how love for Mary can help us grow in faith as well as in good works.

The spiritual advice Mother Teresa once gave Father Langford also applies to each us. "Stay very close to Our Lady," she said. "If you do this, you can do great things for God and the good of people."

To schedule an interview with Fr. Langford, contact Christine Schicker (404) 610-8871 or Ashley Walker of The Maximus Group at (678) 990-9032.