Mother Teresa is remembered around the world for her unwavering commitment to serving the poor, the sick, and the dying. Her compassion, humility, and tireless dedication to helping those most in need earned her international fame and admiration. She became a symbol of charitable service and selflessness, leaving a lasting legacy through her work with the Missionaries of Charity. For decades, Mother Teresa traveled the world to spread her message of love, care, and human dignity, while always staying rooted in her mission to serve ‘the poorest of the poor.’
Early Life and Calling
Birth and Background
Mother Teresa was born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire and is now the capital of North Macedonia. She was of Albanian descent and raised in a devout Catholic family. From a young age, she was deeply religious and inspired by stories of missionaries. At age 18, she decided to dedicate her life to religious service.
Becoming a Nun
In 1928, she joined the Sisters of Loreto and traveled to India to begin her novitiate. She took the name Teresa in honor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries. After taking her vows, she began teaching at a girls’ school in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Though she lived a relatively comfortable life within the convent, she could not ignore the extreme poverty and suffering around her.
The ‘Call Within a Call’
Turning Point in Her Life
In 1946, while traveling to a retreat, Mother Teresa experienced what she described as a ‘call within a call’ a divine message to leave the convent and serve the poor directly. With special permission from the Vatican, she left the Loreto order in 1948 and stepped out into the streets of Calcutta, wearing a simple white sari with a blue border, which later became the symbol of her order.
Serving the Poor
She began her work by helping the sick, the hungry, and the homeless. Armed with minimal resources, she opened a small school and provided basic care for the dying. Her work quickly drew attention, and volunteers began to join her mission. Despite challenges, she remained focused on serving those who were often forgotten by society.
Founding the Missionaries of Charity
Establishment of the Order
In 1950, Mother Teresa officially founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation dedicated to helping ‘the unwanted, the unloved, and the uncared for.’ The order began with just 13 members but grew rapidly, attracting women from around the world who wished to dedicate their lives to serving the poor.
Expanding the Mission
The Missionaries of Charity expanded their operations across India and eventually worldwide. The order established hospices, orphanages, leprosy centers, and homes for people with HIV/AIDS. By the time of Mother Teresa’s death, the order had over 4,000 sisters working in more than 100 countries.
- Provided care for the sick and dying in the slums of Kolkata.
- Opened orphanages and shelters for abandoned children.
- Established homes for those suffering from leprosy and AIDS.
- Ran soup kitchens and mobile clinics in poor communities.
Global Recognition and Awards
International Fame
Mother Teresa’s work attracted attention far beyond India. Her humility, devotion, and tireless effort to uplift the marginalized earned her widespread admiration. She spoke at global forums and met with world leaders but always emphasized that her work was about love and compassion, not publicity or politics.
Honors and Awards
Her achievements were recognized with numerous international awards. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. In her acceptance speech, she encouraged people to find joy in giving and reminded the world of the importance of caring for one another. Other notable awards include:
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA)
- Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian award)
- Pope John XXIII Peace Prize
Mother Teresa’s Philosophy and Values
Love in Action
One of the reasons Mother Teresa became famous was her emphasis on doing small things with great love. She believed that even the simplest acts of kindness could transform lives. Her philosophy was rooted in Christian teachings but appealed to people of all faiths. She focused not on converting others but on serving them with compassion and respect.
Advocacy for the Voiceless
Mother Teresa also spoke out on behalf of those who could not speak for themselves. She stood against abortion, euthanasia, and war, believing that all human life had value. She reminded the world that poverty and neglect were often the worst forms of violence.
Controversies and Criticisms
Scrutiny of Her Work
Despite her immense popularity, Mother Teresa was not without her critics. Some questioned the quality of medical care in her homes, while others criticized her views on suffering and the lack of transparency in her organization’s finances. However, her defenders argue that her mission was never about modern medicine or politics, but about giving dignity and love to those who were suffering.
Enduring Legacy Despite Debate
While debate continues, her legacy remains strong. The Missionaries of Charity continue to operate globally, and millions still draw inspiration from her example. Her life’s work has had a profound impact on how societies view humanitarian service.
Final Years and Canonization
Later Years of Life
In the 1990s, Mother Teresa’s health began to decline, but she remained active in her mission for as long as she could. She stepped down from leading the Missionaries of Charity in 1997, just months before her death. On September 5, 1997, Mother Teresa passed away at the age of 87 in Kolkata.
Path to Sainthood
In 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified Mother Teresa, a key step toward sainthood. In 2016, Pope Francis officially declared her a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. She is now known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, remembered for her lifetime of service and love for the poor.
Mother Teresa became famous not through wealth, political power, or celebrity, but through humble acts of service and profound compassion. Her dedication to the poor and her tireless efforts to bring dignity to the forgotten made her one of the most respected and beloved figures of the 20th century. Though she faced challenges and criticism, her impact remains undeniable. She showed the world that caring for others especially those most neglected is the highest form of humanity. Her story continues to inspire people everywhere to live lives of service, kindness, and unconditional love.