St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

 

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910–1997) was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary who became a global symbol of compassion and charity. Born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, she felt a strong calling to religious life from an early age. At 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and was sent to India, where she began teaching at St. Mary’s High School in Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Early Life and Calling

Mother Teresa took her first religious vows in 1931 and later her solemn vows in 1937. For nearly 20 years, she taught at the school and was appointed its headmistress. However, in 1946, during a train ride to the Loreto convent in Darjeeling, she experienced what she described as a "call within a call." She felt compelled to leave her position and work directly with the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta.

Missionaries of Charity

In 1950, with permission from the Vatican, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a congregation dedicated to serving the most destitute. The order began with 12 members and grew to include thousands of nuns and brothers, serving in over 130 countries. They cared for the sick, the dying, orphans, lepers, and those suffering from AIDS, embodying Christ’s message of love and compassion.

Living Saint

Mother Teresa's lifestyle was marked by her radical commitment to the poor and her profound spiritual devotion. She lived a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, emulating Christ’s love for humanity. Her work earned her numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Despite facing criticism for her views on abortion and her methods of care, she remained a figure of deep respect and admiration. Her unwavering dedication to serving the marginalized led to her being called a "living saint" during her lifetime.

Significance

Mother Teresa's significance lies in her embodiment of Christian love in action. She taught the world that holiness could be found in the smallest acts of kindness and that every person, no matter how destitute, possesses inherent dignity. Her life challenges the modern world to look beyond materialism and see the face of God in the poor and suffering.

Canonization

Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and canonized by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016, becoming St. Teresa of Calcutta. Her feast day is celebrated on September 5, the anniversary of her death.

Her legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Missionaries of Charity and her influence on countless people inspired to serve others in their daily lives.