On Wednesday, June 23, 1982, Mother Teresa visited Walsh University’s campus in North Canton, OH, spoke to a crowd of approximately 2,000 people and was awarded a Walsh University Honorary Doctorate of Human Services by Walsh’s third President, Brother Francis Blouin, F.I.C.
With the canonization of Mother Teresa by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016, Walsh University became one of a select number of Catholic universities in the world that can count a Saint among its alumni.
On that day, Walsh President Richard Jusseaume, First Lady Theresa and Global Learning students studying at Walsh’s Rome campus joined the estimated 100,000 pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to witness the historic canonization ceremony of Walsh’s honorary alumna, Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
In addition, the entire community is invited to take part in a "A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Mother Teresa" on Wednesday, Nov. 9, with special guest Sister Dominga, M.C., from Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. Details coming soon.
Mother Teresa’s stay in North Canton may have only extended for 22 hours, but the memory of her inspiring visit is now ingrained into Walsh’s history, tradition and mission as a lasting, tangible example of a life devoted in service to others.
"During her brief stay in Canton, Mother Teresa was the embodiment of her own words," recalled Br. Francis Blouin. "This frail, wizen woman captured the rapt attention of our campus audience and moved everyone by her Christ-like demeanor. She left us better and happier for having known her; she was the authentic expression of God’s love and kindness."