Mother Teresa Biography

Early Life

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 the youngest of three children in an Albanian family. Her father, Nikola Bojaxhiu, was a businessman and a local community leader, while her mother, Dranafile Bojaxhiu, was deeply religious and instilled in her children the importance of charity. Anjezë's early life was marked by tragedy when her father died unexpectedly when she was eight years old, leaving the family in financial difficulty. Despite these hardships, her mother remained a pillar of strength and faith, often opening their home to the poor and sharing what little they had. This upbringing planted the seeds of compassion and charity in young Anjezë. At the age of 12, Anjezë felt a strong call to the religious life. Her education at a convent-run school cemented her desire to serve God and humanity. By the age of 18, she had resolved to become a missionary and joined the Sisters of Loreto in Dublin, Ireland. This decision took her far from home, but her resolve was unwavering. During her time in Dublin, she learned English, a language she would need for her future mission in India. After a year, she was sent to Darjeeling, India, where she completed her novitiate. On May 24, 1931, she took her first religious vows and chose the name Teresa, after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries. Her early years in India were spent teaching at St. Mary's High School for Girls in Calcutta, where she taught history and geography, dedicating herself to educating young girls from impoverished backgrounds. This period was crucial in shaping her understanding of the societal issues that plagued the city and prepared her for her future calling.

Career & Contributions

Mother Teresa's career took a transformative turn on September 10, 1946, during a train journey to the Loreto convent in Darjeeling. She described experiencing a 'call within a call' to leave the convent and help the poor while living among them. She received permission from her superiors to pursue this new mission, and in 1948, she donned a simple white cotton sari with a blue border, adopted Indian citizenship, and ventured into the slums of Calcutta. In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a new congregation that focused on caring for 'the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone.' The order began with just 13 members, but quickly grew in numbers and influence. Her work expanded beyond the borders of India, and by the 1960s and 70s, the Missionaries of Charity had operations in Venezuela, Rome, Tanzania, and eventually in over 100 countries. Mother Teresa's approach was hands-on; she worked directly with the people she served, offering not just material aid but emotional and spiritual support. Mother Teresa's work was not without controversy. She faced criticism for her stance on abortion and contraception, and some questioned the quality of care in her facilities. However, her unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized won her widespread admiration. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. She accepted the prize 'in the name of the poor,' and requested the banquet funds be given to the needy. Throughout her career, she remained a deeply spiritual person, often emphasizing the role of prayer in her work. Her mission was not just to alleviate physical suffering, but to address the spiritual poverty she saw as equally debilitating. This holistic approach to care set her apart as a humanitarian leader.

Major Achievements

• Founding the Missionaries of Charity - Established a religious congregation dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor worldwide.
• Nobel Peace Prize 1979 - Awarded for her relentless efforts to serve humanity and alleviate poverty.
• Expansion of Missionaries of Charity - Grew the congregation to over 4,500 members and operations in more than 100 countries.
• Opening of Nirmal Hriday - Established a home for the dying destitute in Kalighat, providing care and dignity to those in their final days.
• The Pope John XXIII Peace Prize - Received in 1971 for her work in promoting peace and brotherhood.
• Founding of Shishu Bhavan - Opened homes for orphaned and homeless children, providing shelter, education, and love.
• Beatification by the Catholic Church - Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003, recognizing her as 'Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.'

Personal Life

Mother Teresa was known for her deep faith and unwavering commitment to her vocation. She took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which she followed rigorously throughout her life. Her personal life was characterized by simplicity and humility; she lived in the same conditions as those she served, often foregoing comforts that most take for granted. Despite her public persona, Mother Teresa was a private individual. Her diaries and letters, published posthumously, reveal a profound spiritual struggle and a 'darkness' she felt in her faith journey, a trial she described as a deep sense of abandonment by God. Yet, she persevered, viewing these feelings as a testament to her faith and commitment. Her personal relationships were mostly with her fellow sisters and the people she served. She was regarded as a mother figure by many and was known for her warmth, compassion, and ability to inspire others to join her cause. She maintained correspondence with influential figures worldwide, including political leaders and religious figures, which helped in garnering support for her mission. In her private moments, Mother Teresa was introspective and prayerful. She drew strength from her Catholic faith, attending daily Mass and spending hours in prayer and meditation. Her spiritual life was the cornerstone of her work, and her ability to see Christ in every person she helped was both her motivation and her solace.

Legacy

Mother Teresa's legacy is one of compassion and selfless service. Her work with the poor and dying in Calcutta and around the world has left an indelible mark on the modern humanitarian landscape. Her example has inspired countless individuals and organizations to prioritize service to the poorest and most marginalized members of society. The Missionaries of Charity continues to operate globally, with thousands of sisters, brothers, and volunteers continuing her mission. They remain committed to her vision of serving the 'poorest of the poor' without regard for race, religion, or nationality, embodying her ethos of unconditional love and service. In 2016, she was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis, further solidifying her place in the Catholic Church as a model of holiness and charity. Her life and work are celebrated annually on September 5th, her feast day, which is recognized as International Day of Charity. Mother Teresa's life has also sparked discussions about the nature of charity, the role of religion in humanitarian work, and the complexities of faith. Her example challenges people to consider what it means to truly serve others and to live a life devoted to the welfare of humanity. Her teachings and actions continue to resonate, inspiring new generations to serve with humility and love.

Interesting Facts

• Mother Teresa learned Bengali and Hindi fluently to better communicate with those she served in India.
• Despite her public image, she experienced profound spiritual doubt and darkness, a struggle she shared with her spiritual advisors.
• She once declined a Nobel Peace Prize banquet, asking that the $192,000 fund be donated to the poor in India.
• Mother Teresa's original name was Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, with Gonxhe meaning 'little flower' in Albanian.
• She received the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985, one of many international honors.
• Her work began with $5 and a small classroom, growing into a global movement.
• Mother Teresa was known to have strong and sometimes controversial opinions, especially regarding abortion and contraception.
• She was criticized for not providing adequate medical care in her facilities, which she justified as focusing on dignity and comfort.
• Mother Teresa was the first recipient of the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize in 1971.
• Her beatification process was one of the fastest in the history of the Catholic Church.