Mother Teresa, known for her selfless dedication to serving the poor and needy, indeed wore a cilice as a part of her spiritual practice. A cilice is a small, hairshirt-like garment made of rough material, often with small spikes or points on the inside, which is worn against the skin as a form of penance or self-mortification. It is meant to cause discomfort and remind the wearer of the suffering of Christ.
Mother Teresa believed in embracing the poverty and suffering of the people she served, and saw the cilice as a way to physically share in their hardships. She saw it as a means of deepening her spiritual connection with God and uniting herself with the pain and struggles of those she dedicated her life to helping.
The use of the cilice in Mother Teresa’s life was not widely publicized, as she was known for her humility and desire to keep her personal practices private. However, there have been accounts from those close to her that confirm her use of the cilice.
It is important to note that wearing a cilice is a personal choice and not a requirement of the Catholic faith. While some individuals, like Mother Teresa, may choose to use it as a form of spiritual discipline, many others do not engage in this practice.
Personally, I find it intriguing that someone as dedicated to serving others as Mother Teresa would willingly choose to endure physical discomfort in order to deepen her spiritual connection. It speaks to her immense faith and commitment to her mission. It also serves as a reminder that spirituality and religious practices can take many different forms, and what may seem extreme or unconventional to some, may hold deep meaning and significance for others.
Mother Teresa did wear a cilice as a part of her spiritual practice. It was a personal choice she made to further align herself with the suffering of those she served and deepen her connection with God. While the use of a cilice is not common or required in the Catholic faith, it was a way for Mother Teresa to live out her faith in a tangible and sacrificial manner.
