Mother's Day, Mother's TIME

"If I ever become a Saint — I will surely be one of 'darkness.' I will continually be absent from Heaven — to [light] the light of those in darkness on earth."

So much for sanctity not making the covers of magazines....

As shown at left, TIME's extended look at the spiritual trials of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta has been revealed as the cover story of its upcoming edition, on newsstands tomorrow.

Underscoring the global awe and admiration that surrounds the apostle of the poor even a decade after her death, the sub-hed caption refers to the Missionaries of Charity foundress as a "beloved icon"; "even CNN was completely positive," exclaimed one observer of the last few days' coverage on the upcoming book of the letters of the saint-to-be, edited by the postulator of her cause for canonization.

It's worthwhile to note that, while Mother Teresa's departure for the Father's house ten years ago next week was overshadowed at the time by the intense public outpouring of grief at the loss of Diana, Princess of Wales, it seems that this anniversary has witnessed a turning of the tables that is a commentary in itself. A short essay on Diana is buried near the back of the pages, asking whether the "age of emotionalism" which climaxed in the week leading up to the princess' funeral has, in fact, "come to a close."

It could be said the cover-choice and story-emphasis have answered the question.

Blessed Teresa's posthumous spiritual memoir, Come Be My Light is holding at #3 on Amazon's list of best-sellers more than a week before it's release. Given all the exposure it's received -- an amount only set to increase as its 4 September pub-date nears -- the figure likewise looks set to only go upward.

And the Little Nun That Could just keeps on....

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