Filipino devotees recall a generous, humble Blessed Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa of Calcutta even before she was beatified in 2003, was already known to the world as a "Living Saint" for her dedication to her work for the "poorest of the poor."

"People who have nothing, who are wanted by no one, who have become a burden to society, who have forgotten what is love, what is human touch. For us, they are the children of God," Blessed Mother Teresa was quoted as saying.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta will be declared a saint during the canonization ceremony led by Pope Francis in Rome, Italy on Sunday, Sept. 4.

Filipino devotees share their close encounter with the future saint, during her visits to the country.

Donnie Salvador is among several individuals who attested to the holiness of Calcutta's future saint, GMA News' Mark Salazar reported on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho."

Her husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon cancer in 1983 and was given only a few months to live.

It was at the time that Mother Teresa visited her convents in the country that the couple asked her for help.

"Mother said together we are going to pray to the Blessed Mother and, these are her words, I am going to pin the same medal I pinned on the Pope (Saint John Paul II) when he was shot in the Vatican. Mother, I don't think I deserve (the medal) neither does my husband. Give it to other people who would deserve this more than we. (She answered) No, no. I want you and your husband tomorrow at 9:30, and she was firm," she related.

The couple received the miracle.

"He changed his color from ash and grey he became fair and not only that, he gained pounds," she related.

"The doctor would not believe it," she added.

Donnie's husband live five more years after the incident.

This particular case was one of the basis used for the cause of beatification of Mother Teresa in 2003, just six years after her death on Sept. 5, 1997.

The last visit of Blessed Mother Teresa in the country was in 1986, when she went to Calbayog town in Western Samar to welcome the New Year.

Sr. Hesed said the visit was unforgettable.

"I was touched. I do not know. I cannot explain. She was my model," the Missionary of Charity nun said.

Edna and her niece, Eleanor Bernardo Tingzon, were overjoyed when Mother Teresa paid them a visit.

"Sabi ni Lola maghanda daw ng halo-halo at palabok. Siyempre sino pa ang kakain nun, for sure yung bisita," Eleanor said.

Edna Bernardo described the founder of the religious congregation for women, Missionaries of Charity.

"She was smiling, ang bait-bait niya," she said. — BAP, GMA News