Skopje, 26 August 2026 (MIA) -- The Days of Mother Teresa series of events honoring the 10th anniversary of the canonization of Mother Teresa begins Wednesday and runs through Sept. 5. The program features spiritual, cultural and humanitarian gatherings dedicated to her life and legacy.

Organized by Roman Catholic Bishop Kiro Stojanov and the Croatian Community in the Republic of Macedonia, the Days of Mother Teresa events will begin with an opening ceremony near Porta Macedonia at 7:30 pm.

Stojanov, who serves as bishop of Skopje for Catholics of Latin rite and eparch of Strumica-Skopje for Catholics of Byzantine rite, will deliver a speech titled "The Woman from Skopje Who Changed the World," followed by poet Ljerka Tot-Naumova speaking about Mother Teresa's life path and humanitarian mission.

Events continue Aug. 31 at the chapel of the Mother Teresa Memorial House, starting at 7:30 pm. The evening features a performance of Schubert's "Ave Maria" by Serafina Fantauzzo, a bilingual reading of Mother Teresa's quotes in Macedonian and English by Eleonora Nikolovska and a prayer led by the Missionaries of Charity in Skopje. Bishop Stojanov will conclude the gathering with a blessing.

On Sept. 1, the Kocho Racin Cultural Center will host a poetry reading dedicated to Mother Teresa, beginning at 7:30 pm. Featured poets include Eleonora Nikolovska, Olivera Jovanovska, Delvina Krluku, Violeta Achkoska, Blagojka Filipcheva and Ljerka Tot-Naumova. They will be accompanied by violinist Julija Nelkovska and guitarist Filip Kostov.

An art exhibition featuring works by Macedonian painters donated to the Catholic Church will also open on Sept. 1, with proceeds benefiting low-income individuals supported by Caritas Macedonia.

The Skopje Mandolin Orchestra, conducted by Erhan Shukri, will give a concert in tribute of Mother Teresa on Sept. 3 at 7:30 pm at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Skopje.

On Sept. 4, Bishop Stojanov and a delegation will visit vulnerable families in the morning to deliver food and hygiene packages. Later in the day, at 6 pm, Bishop Stojanov will preside over Holy Mass, followed by a presentation from Fr. Davor Topić, a Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna, sharing reflections on attending Mother Teresa's 2016 canonization.

Days of Mother Teresa events end Saturday, Sept. 5, with a pontifical Mass at 6 pm at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Skopje.

Bishop Petar Palić of Mostar-Duvno and Apostolic Administrator of Trebinje-Mrkan will preside over the liturgy, joined by Bishop Stojanov and other visiting bishops.

In addition, three exhibitions dedicated to Mother Teresa's life and heritage will be on display at the Mother Teresa Memorial House. On display will be "Peace Begins with a Smile," "The Legacy of Mother Teresa" and "The Apostle of Peace and Love," which showcase her global impact through photographs, testimonies and inspiring messages. mr/