Valley Catholics celebrate sainthood of Mother Teresa

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Millions of Catholics around the world paid tribute to Mother Teresa as she was canonized a saint by the Vatican.

Pope Francis made the declaration before thousands during mass at St. Peter's Square. Known as the "Saint of the Gutters," Mother Teresa devoted her life to helping the poor in India.

In the Valley, services were also held Sunday to honor the saint. Father Julian Polacetti of Holy Family Church in Kingsburg was fortunate to meet her while living in India and said her graduation to sainthood is not at all surprising.

"We all considered her a living saint," he said. "...honor for all humanity."

During mass, Pope Francis went on to say that Mother Teresa was an example for volunteers around the world and that she may be your model of holiness.

For her work, Mother Teresa was given the Noble Peace Prize in 1979 and passed away in 1997.