Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was a Catholic nun and missionary whose unwavering devotion to serving the low-income and sick made her an enduring symbol of selfless love and compassion.
Born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, a religious congregation committed to aiding the most vulnerable members of society. Mother Teresa’s tireless work earned her numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Early Life
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born into a devout Catholic family. Her parents, Nikola and Dranafile Bojaxhiu, instilled in her the values of compassion and charity from an early age.
Inspired by stories of Jesuit missionaries in Bengal, India, young Agnes felt a calling to a life of religious service. At the tender age of 18, she left her home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland. There, she took the name Sister Mary Teresa after St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
After years of teaching in a Catholic school in Calcutta, Mother Teresa experienced a profound spiritual calling in 1946 while on a train to Darjeeling.
This “call within a call” prompted her to leave the comfort of the convent and live among the people whose income is below the poverty threshold. She sought and received permission from the Vatican in 1948 to pursue this mission independently.
Founding the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity with a mission to care for “the hungry, the naked, the people experiencing homelessness, the physical disabled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone.”
The congregation started with 12 members and quickly grew as her work gained recognition and support.
Work in the Slums of Calcutta
Mother Teresa and her sisters donned simple white saris with blue borders and began their work in the slums of Calcutta. They established homes for the dying, orphanages, and leper colonies.
One of their first projects was the Nirmal Hriday (Pure Heart) Home for Dying Destitutes, where the terminally ill received care and died with dignity. Her belief that “a beautiful death is for people who lived like animals to die like angels—loved and wanted” guided her compassionate care.
Global Expansion
The Missionaries of Charity rapidly expanded beyond India. By the 1960s and 1970s, new branches were established in Venezuela, Rome, Tanzania, and Austria. The organization eventually spread to over 130 countries, with more than 4,500 sisters managing orphanages, AIDS hospices, and charity centers worldwide.
Recognition and Awards
Mother Teresa’s tireless efforts did not go unnoticed. She received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri from the Indian government in 1962 and the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize in 1971. Her most notable accolade came in 1979 when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In her acceptance speech, she urged the world to “choose love, not war.”
Criticism and Controversy
Despite her widespread acclaim, Mother Teresa faced criticism. Some accused her of promoting suffering instead of alleviating it and questioned the quality of medical care in her facilities. Her staunch opposition to abortion and contraception also attracted controversy. However, these criticisms did little to diminish her dedication or the impact of her work.
Legacy and Beatification
Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997. Her death was mourned globally, and she was given a state funeral in India.
In 2003, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title “Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.” Her life and work continue to inspire millions worldwide, embodying the values of selfless service and compassion.
Continuing Her Mission
The Missionaries of Charity remain active today, continuing Mother Teresa’s mission of serving the people whose income is below the poverty threshold.
The congregation has grown to include over 5,000 members, extending their reach and impact globally.
Their work includes running homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis, soup kitchens, children’s and family counseling programs, orphanages, and schools.
Mother Teresa’s legacy is one of extraordinary compassion and dedication. Her life exemplified the power of selfless service and the profound impact it can have on the world.
From her humble beginnings in Skopje to her tireless work in the slums of Calcutta and beyond, Mother Teresa’s unwavering commitment to helping the most vulnerable has left an indelible mark on humanity. Her story is a testament to the enduring strength of love and the profound difference one person can make in the lives of countless others.