I was in Rome for the canonization of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. I stood among a crowd of thousands as Pope Francis declared that this wonderful woman was to enter in with those saints who had gone before her. I cried tears of joy as the words were said, and I praised God for the work and life He gave to Mother Teresa when she walked on this earth.

Attending this Mass and celebration was one of the best days of my life, perhaps even the best! There were people from every country and continent there to recognize Saint Teresa. She touched everyone she came in contact with, and the news of her goodness spread to all of the corners of the world. While she was alive, people felt God’s presence in her; people knew that she was destined for sainthood.

Mother Teresa did not feel this, though. She felt lost and did not know if God was with her. She spent many years in the empty darkness. Yet, she persisted. Mother Teresa continued to do good with her life because she knew that there was something greater than herself.

She lived the very definition of a humble life and continuously put herself last. She gave everything that she had to those who needed it more. She inspired those around her to be better people. She did not know of her own greatness. Or, if she did, she did not accept or acknowledge it. She chose humility. She chose to live her life for God. As a result, she is the wonderful Saint that we all know of today.

It feels wrong to compare yourself to Saint Teresa; she was so holy. Yet, I strive every day to be like her in all that I do. I may be a cradle Catholic, but (like her) I choose to live my life for God. I choose to partake in the Catholic Faith and a member of a Church that’s been here for 2,000 years.

I do my best to practice charity, but I know that I fall short. I know that I mess up and fall flat on my face. I ignore those who have nothing and keep my possessions to myself, but I am working on changing that. Saint Teresa took Jesus’ words “sell what you have and follow me” to heart, and I’m (slowly) trying to do the same.

I do my best to find Jesus in everyone. She saw God in the broken and homeless man on the street, and I struggle to be close to those who haven’t showered in a few days.I am angry when I see someone commit a crime. Saint Teresa knew that every person has a piece of God in them. All humans are created in His image and likeness, so why can’t I be more like her and see that?

As I said, comparing myself to Saint Teresa shows my immense lack of charity, but I also hope that it shows that I’m trying. Being in St. Peter’s Square for her canonization renewed my desire to follow in her footsteps. I know that being a good Catholic and good human being does not come naturally and that it is not easy. Like everything, it is a choice and I pray that I have the strength and courage to make the right one.