Who was Mother Teresa?
Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia, was one of the most beloved and influential figures of the 20th century. She was a Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor, founding the Missionaries of Charity, a religious order that continues to serve the most vulnerable people around the world. Mother Teresa was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2016, just 19 years after her death, making her one of the fastest canonizations in Church history.
Mother Teresa was known for her simple, humble approach to serving others and for her deep faith in God. She often said that she was not called to be successful, but to be faithful. Her life was a powerful witness to the Gospel message of love and service, and she continues to inspire millions of people around the world to follow her example of selfless love and compassion.
Early Life and Vocation
Agnes Bojaxhiu was born into a devout Catholic family in Skopje, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. Her father died when she was young, and her mother raised her and her siblings with a strong sense of faith and service to others. From an early age, Agnes felt called to serve God and others, and she was particularly drawn to the stories of missionaries who served in far-off lands.
At the age of 18, Agnes left home to join the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish order of nuns who worked in India. She took the name Sister Teresa after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, who was her patron saint. After completing her novitiate in Ireland, Sister Teresa was sent to India, where she taught at a school for girls in Calcutta.
The Call Within a Call
In 1946, while traveling by train to Darjeeling for her annual retreat, Sister Teresa experienced what she called her 'call within a call.' She felt God calling her to leave the convent and to serve the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta. This was a radical call that would change her life and the lives of countless others.
After receiving permission from her superiors and the Vatican, Sister Teresa left the Sisters of Loreto in 1948 and began her new ministry. She started by teaching children in the slums and caring for the sick and dying. She had no money, no resources, and no support, but she trusted in God's providence and began her work with faith and determination.
The Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a new religious order dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor. The order began with just a few sisters, but it quickly grew as more women were drawn to Mother Teresa's example of selfless love and service. Today, the Missionaries of Charity have thousands of sisters serving in over 130 countries around the world.
The Missionaries of Charity serve in many different ways, including caring for the sick and dying, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and caring for abandoned children. They also run schools, hospitals, and other institutions that serve the poor and vulnerable. The order is known for its simple lifestyle and its commitment to serving those who are most in need.
Her Ministry to the Dying
One of Mother Teresa's most famous ministries was her work with the dying. In 1952, she opened Nirmal Hriday (Pure Heart), a home for the dying in Calcutta. This home provided care and comfort to people who were dying on the streets, often from diseases like leprosy and tuberculosis. Mother Teresa and her sisters would pick up these people from the streets, bring them to the home, and care for them with love and dignity until they died.
Mother Teresa often said that the most important thing was not to cure people, but to care for them. She believed that every person, no matter how poor or sick, deserved to die with dignity and to know that they were loved. Her work with the dying was a powerful witness to the dignity of every human life and to the importance of showing love and compassion to those who are suffering.
Recognition and Awards
Mother Teresa's work did not go unnoticed, and she received many awards and honors during her lifetime. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work with the poor and her efforts to promote peace and understanding between people of different religions and cultures. She used the prize money to build more homes for the poor and to expand the work of the Missionaries of Charity.
Mother Teresa also received many other awards and honors, including the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award), the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest civilian award in the United States), and honorary degrees from many universities. However, she always remained humble and focused on her work, often saying that the awards were not for her, but for the poor she served.
Her Spiritual Life
Despite her busy schedule and the demands of her ministry, Mother Teresa maintained a deep and rich spiritual life. She spent hours in prayer each day, beginning her day with Mass and ending it with prayer. She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and often prayed the Rosary. She also had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Eucharist.
Mother Teresa's spiritual life was not always easy, and she experienced periods of spiritual darkness and doubt. For many years, she felt that God was absent from her life, and she struggled with feelings of emptiness and loneliness. However, she remained faithful to her vocation and continued to serve others with love and compassion, even during these difficult times.
Her Legacy
Mother Teresa's legacy continues to inspire millions of people around the world. Her example of selfless love and service has inspired countless people to follow her example and to serve others with love and compassion. The Missionaries of Charity continue to serve the poor and vulnerable in over 130 countries, and her message of love and service continues to resonate with people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Mother Teresa's legacy also includes her writings and speeches, which continue to inspire and challenge people today. She often spoke about the importance of love, service, and faith, and her words continue to provide guidance and inspiration for people who want to make a difference in the world.
Canonization and Sainthood
In 2016, Pope Francis canonized Mother Teresa as a saint, recognizing her as a model of holiness and a powerful witness to the Gospel. Her canonization was a celebration of her life and work, and it recognized the impact that she had on the Church and the world.
As a saint, Mother Teresa continues to intercede for us and to inspire us to follow her example of love and service. Her feast day is celebrated on September 5, the anniversary of her death, and she is remembered as a powerful witness to the Gospel message of love and service.
Conclusion: A Saint for Our Time
Mother Teresa was truly a saint for our time, a powerful witness to the Gospel message of love and service. Her life and work continue to inspire millions of people around the world, and her legacy of love and compassion will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Mother Teresa, let us be inspired by her example to serve others with love and compassion. Let us also pray for her intercession, asking her to help us to grow in love and to be faithful witnesses to Christ in the world.