We are so blessed to be able to share with you the news that last week Pope Leo XIV recognized the heroic virtue of our foundress, Mother Mary Teresa Tallon, PVMI, and declared that she is now Venerable! This is good news for all who are looking for help with vocational discernment.
Venerable is the second step (of four) to being canonized as a Saint in the Catholic Church. First, she was recognized locally (in the Archdiocese of New York) as a Servant of God. Then we collected information about her life, from historical records, from her writings, and from witnesses who knew her either personally or through her writings or charism. These 8008 pages were sent to Rome where they were evaluated by both a Historical Commission and a Theological Commission, who then passed on their favorable reports to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. On Thursday, June 18, Pope Leo XVI agreed with the evaluation of the Dicastery and declared her Venerable!!
The next step is for God to confirm that Mother is in Heaven by way of a miracle that takes place through her intercession. Do you have anyone you are praying for? As our Mother General says, “Ask big!” For a miracle to be used for the process of beatification and canonization, the miracle has to be something that can be witnessed and measurable (like a healing from an incurable disease) and those praying have to be praying only to Venerable Mother Mary Teresa. However, please also ask her intercession for any intentions you have – spiritual or physical.
One particular area of discernment where you can turn to her is in the area of obstacles to your vocation – family or worldly attractions. This is an trial that she experienced personally. Mother Foundress knew that she was called to be a Sister from the age of 12, but her family (especially her mother) did not approve. When she was about eighteen, her mother decided to send her for a couple weeks to visit relatives in a nearby town with hopes of giving her some social opportunities and distracting her from her call.
Julia (as her name was at that time) went to visit her relatives and was proud of going to the “big city” wearing a new hat with a stylish ostrich feather on it. The first party that she was invited to, she left the hat with her coat in the guest bedroom. When she came back after the party, the family’s cat had torn the feather apart! Julia laughed, realizing how silly such worldly attractions were. The next day a two week parish mission opened, and she went to the mission twice a day during her visit, instead of going to parties. A priest from the mission encouraged her in following her vocation, and she never looked back!
Venerable Mother Mary Teresa will rejoice to intercede for you as you follow the call God is putting on your heart! If you are hesitating to take the next step, or are distracted by other things (even good things!), I invite you to ask for her intercession. If you want some help on that journey or would like to know more about our Community, below are couple upcoming events at our Motherhouse. You can also respond to this email or reach out to me through our Vocation Inquiry form here. I am happy to walk with you through this season of discernment in your journey of faith.
You can also find more information about Mother Mary Teresa Tallon on our website, or social media (links below).
You are in my prayers, and I hope to hear from you soon! Summer is a great time to take that next good step in your discernment journey.
In the hope of Christ,
Sr. Theresa Marie, pvmi
Vocation Director
Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate
845-542-1086
“Make much of God!” ~Servant of God, Mother Mary Teresa Tallon, PVMI
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