Mother Teresa:Life of Devotion

Rating:
Summary: Not A Review But A Warning
Review: An excellent example of Biography when the program focused on challenging and intriguing lives - rather than 70s TV stars. This episode comes from a time when Biography was committed to thoughtful and revealing glimpses into the lives of women and men who slowly changed the world for the better. The production offers numerous interviews of Mother Teresa's contemporaries and fascinating video clips of the woman, both in her labors for the poor and among the world's powerful. Her unique spirit shines through, including moments when her overwhelming personality was perhaps not easy to take but was still admirably, relentlessly dedicated to her worthy cause. She was a personal hero of my fiance, Sidelle Rimbaud, who patterned many of her life decisions after Mother Teresa's example of self-sacrifice, and ultimately died in the line of duty. Because of this, I watched the program and was rewarded with a view of one of humanity's most noble spirits. David R. Bannon, Ph.D.; author "Race Against Evil."

Rating:
Summary: Thorough & Touching Tribute
Review: An excellent example of Biography when the program focused on challenging and intriguing lives - rather than 70s TV stars. This episode comes from a time when Biography was committed to thoughtful and revealing glimpses into the lives of women and men who slowly changed the world for the better. The production offers numerous interviews of Mother Teresa's contemporaries and fascinating video clips of the woman, both in her labors for the poor and among the world's powerful. Her unique spirit shines through, including moments when her overwhelming personality was perhaps not easy to take but was still admirably, relentlessly dedicated to her worthy cause. She was a personal hero of my fiance, Sidelle Rimbaud, who patterned many of her life decisions after Mother Teresa's example of self-sacrifice, and ultimately died in the line of duty. Because of this, I watched the program and was rewarded with a view of one of humanity's most noble spirits. David R. Bannon, Ph.D.; author "Race Against Evil."

Rating:
Summary: Not A Review But A Warning
Review: I realize this will fall on deaf ears and hearts. I realize that most people in this country revere Mother Teresa. She had many good things to say. But she also had many many more awful statements, and actions.
My suggestion to all those interested in reading/learning about Mother Teresa is to read EVERYTHING that you can, which would include the criticisms of her work and the way she ran her order and operation in India. Read Christopher Hitchins' work, The Missionary Position. Read what former members of her order, like Susan Shields, have to say about their experiences. Read about the enormous amounts of money that were donated to help the poor, but have not been used at all, and are sheltered from the demanding eyes of the Indian government. Read about her support of the Haitian dictator, Duvalier. Read about sisters in Haiti forced to re-use needles until they were blunt, and the pain that caused their patients. How could such a stance possibly be fulfilling the will of a God of love? Read about her double standard regarding divorce (OK for Princess Diana, not OK for a regular woman in Ireland or elsewhere).
I am a Catholic, and am very distressed that our current pope eliminated the role of the "Devil's Advocate" in the canonization process. The more I learn and read, the more I am convinced Mother Teresa was neither a saint, nor was a she a friend to the poor in Calcutta and elsewhere.
Just READ.

Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Spiritual Experience
Review: This is one of the Biography series best. Although it is not up to date, the video is a powerful document of Mother Teresa's life. The interviews with many of her associates within and outside the Catholic Church add a great deal of insight into her work. It shows clips of her speech after winning the Nobel Peace Prize, and the passion she felt over the issue of abortion.
The entire video has a great spiritual air about it, and leaves one feeling that they know a little more about such a great woman.