Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje (now in North Macedonia), was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary renowned for her humanitarian work. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick, particularly in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India.
Early Life and Education
- Background: Raised in a devout Catholic family, she felt a calling to serve from a young age.
- Missionary Life: In 1928, she joined the Sisters of Loreto and was sent to India, where she taught at a school for girls.
Founding of the Missionaries of Charity
- In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation dedicated to helping "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, and unprotected." The organization grew rapidly, establishing homes and centers for the destitute.
Humanitarian Work
- Mother Teresa's work included caring for the sick, dying, and orphans. She became an iconic figure of compassion and selflessness, often seen tending to those marginalized by society.
- Her efforts were recognized globally, leading to numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Later Life and Canonization
- Mother Teresa continued her work until her health declined. She passed away on September 5, 1997.
- She was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to helping the needy.
Legacy
Mother Teresa's legacy endures through the ongoing work of the Missionaries of Charity and her embodiment of compassion and love for humanity. She is often regarded as a symbol of selfless service, inspiring countless individuals to engage in charitable work.