Mother Teresa: A Lifelong Mission of Compassion and Service
Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje (now part of North Macedonia), is widely known for her selfless work among the poorest of the poor in Kolkata (Calcutta), India. A Roman Catholic nun and missionary, she became one of the most revered figures of the 20th century, embodying compassion, charity, and the power of unconditional love.
Early Life and Call to Serve
Mother Teresa was born into a family of Albanian descent. From a young age, she was moved by the desire to help others, a feeling that deepened as she grew older. At 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Dublin, Ireland, where she chose the name Sister Teresa, in honor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. She was sent to India in 1929, where she began teaching at St. Mary’s School in Kolkata.
It was during her time as a teacher that she experienced what she described as a "call within a call" in 1946, urging her to leave the comforts of the convent and dedicate herself entirely to helping the destitute and sick. In 1950, she received permission to establish the Missionaries of Charity, an organization devoted to caring for those living in extreme poverty, the sick, and the dying.
Missionaries of Charity and Her Lifelong Work
Mother Teresa’s work with the Missionaries of Charity became renowned worldwide. The order she founded has since grown to include thousands of nuns and volunteers, serving in over 130 countries. The sisters and volunteers run homes for the dying, orphanages, hospitals, soup kitchens, and centers for the disabled and homeless.
Her focus was not just on providing physical care but also offering emotional and spiritual comfort to those abandoned by society. She often said, “We are not called to do great things, but to do small things with great love,” a philosophy that shaped her work and touched the hearts of millions worldwide.
Global Recognition and Nobel Peace Prize
Mother Teresa’s unrelenting commitment to helping the poor did not go unnoticed. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in alleviating human suffering. The Nobel committee cited her dedication to serving the destitute, calling her "a symbol of the selfless work that humanity needs in the world."
Despite receiving countless accolades, Mother Teresa remained humble, insisting that the true reward of her work was not in recognition but in the satisfaction of serving those who were the most neglected. She continued her mission until her health began to fail in the 1990s.
Controversies and Criticism
While Mother Teresa was adored by millions, she also faced criticism, particularly in her later years. Some critics questioned her views on suffering and death, asserting that she emphasized the dignity of suffering without providing adequate pain relief. Others criticized the management of the Missionaries of Charity's homes, citing a lack of medical care and proper facilities. However, her supporters argue that her mission was primarily about offering love and care to those who had nowhere else to turn, especially when many others in the world ignored them.
Beatification and Canonization
Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. In 2003, she was beatified by the Catholic Church, a step toward sainthood, after the Vatican confirmed two miracles attributed to her intercession. On September 4, 2016, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis, affirming her life’s work as a beacon of love, compassion, and mercy.
Legacy and Impact
Mother Teresa’s legacy is marked by her unwavering belief in the sanctity of life and her message that love can heal the most broken parts of society. Through her work, she brought attention to the suffering of the poor and vulnerable, demonstrating that even the smallest act of kindness could make a significant difference in the world. Today, the Missionaries of Charity continues her work, supporting those who are still in need of care and compassion.
Her story serves as a reminder that compassion, humility, and a commitment to helping others can create a lasting impact on the world. For more about her life, legacy, and ongoing work of the Missionaries of Charity, visit the Mother Teresa Foundation and Biography.com.
