Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Saint Teresa of Calcutta: A Legacy of Love and Service Remembered

Calcutta, India – On the anniversary of her death, the world pauses to remember Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a figure whose name has become synonymous with compassion and selfless service. Born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje on August 26, 1910, she would later become known to millions as Mother Teresa, a beacon of hope in the darkest corners of humanity.

From her humble beginnings in a devout Albanian Catholic family, Anjezë felt a calling that would lead her on an extraordinary journey. At the young age of 18, she left her home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, setting the stage for her eventual arrival in India. It was here, in the bustling city of Calcutta, that she would find her true purpose.

Mother Teresa’s work with the poor and marginalized began in 1948 when she received permission to leave her convent and dedicate herself to the impoverished. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an order dedicated to serving the “poorest of the poor.” This organization quickly grew, establishing hospices, homes for those with HIV/AIDS, and orphanages around the world.

Her tireless efforts did not go unnoticed. Mother Teresa received numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, for her humanitarian work. However, it was her unwavering commitment to those in need, rather than accolades, that defined her life.

Even after her death on September 5, 1997, Mother Teresa’s legacy continued to inspire. On September 4, 2016, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Catholic Church, solidifying her place as one of the most revered figures in modern history. Her feast day, observed annually on September 5, serves as a reminder of her profound impact on the world.

Saint Teresa’s life was a testament to the power of love and service. Her example continues to challenge us to look beyond ourselves and extend a hand to those who need it most. As we reflect on her life, let us remember her simple yet powerful message: “Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the action that we do.”

The Missionaries of Charity: A Global Network of Compassion

In the heart of Calcutta, a small seed of compassion was planted in 1950, blossoming into a global network of love and service. Mother Teresa’s establishment of the Missionaries of Charity marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, dedicated to serving “the poorest of the poor.” What started as a local effort in the slums of Calcutta has grown into a worldwide movement, touching the lives of countless individuals across the globe.

From its humble origins, the Missionaries of Charity has expanded to operate in over 133 countries as of 2012, with more than 4,500 nuns at the helm. These dedicated women manage a vast array of services, providing care and comfort to those suffering from HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis. Their work extends beyond medical care, encompassing soup kitchens, dispensaries, mobile clinics, orphanages, and schools, offering holistic support to the most vulnerable members of society.

The strength of the Missionaries of Charity lies in its unwavering commitment to its core values. Members of the order take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, but it is their fourth vow that truly sets them apart: to give “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.” This dedication is evident in every action they take, from tending to the sick to providing education and hope to children in need.

The impact of the Missionaries of Charity is immeasurable. They have brought dignity and compassion to those who are often forgotten, offering a lifeline to individuals struggling with illness, poverty, and despair. Their work is a testament to the power of selfless service and a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference.

As the Missionaries of Charity continue their work around the world, they carry forward the legacy of Mother Teresa, inspiring others to embrace compassion and dedicate themselves to the service of humanity. Their story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that love knows no boundaries and that even in the face of immense challenges, the human spirit can triumph.

A Complex Legacy of Sainthood and Scrutiny

Mother Teresa, a name synonymous with compassion and service, remains a figure of immense admiration and, increasingly, complex scrutiny. While celebrated for her tireless work with the poor and marginalized, her legacy is also marked by controversies that have sparked critical re-evaluation.

Throughout her life, Mother Teresa received numerous accolades, including the 1962 Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. These honors recognized her dedication to serving the “poorest of the poor” and brought global attention to her work. Her life and mission have inspired countless books, documentaries, and films, solidifying her image as a modern-day saint. In 1992, her authorized biography, written by Navin Chawla, was published, further cementing her iconic status. On September 6, 2017, she was named a co-patron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta alongside St. Francis Xavier, underscoring her enduring influence within the Church.

However, alongside the widespread admiration, Mother Teresa also faced significant criticism. Concerns were raised regarding the conditions in her houses for the dying, with reports of poor medical care, lack of pain relief, and questionable hygiene standards. Critics argued that her approach to care prioritized spiritual comfort over modern medical practices, leading to unnecessary suffering for patients.

These criticisms have prompted a more nuanced understanding of Mother Teresa’s legacy. While her dedication to serving the poor is undeniable, questions remain about the effectiveness and ethics of her methods. The debate surrounding her work highlights the complexities of humanitarian efforts and the importance of accountability, even in the face of widespread acclaim.

As we reflect on Mother Teresa’s life, it is essential to acknowledge both her contributions and the criticisms she faced. Her story serves as a reminder that even the most revered figures are not immune to scrutiny and that a comprehensive understanding requires a balanced perspective.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta Beatified: A Life of Service Remembered

On October 19, 2003, the world celebrated the beatification of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a woman globally recognized for her unwavering dedication to the poorest of the poor. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of Missionaries of Charity, the order she established in 1950, which has since grown to include contemplative sisters and brothers, as well as an order of priests.

Early Life and Calling

Born as Gonxha (Agnes) Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, to Albanian parents, Saint Teresa’s early life was marked by both comfort and sudden hardship. The youngest of three children, Agnes initially experienced a prosperous family life thanks to her father’s thriving construction business. However, his unexpected death brought significant changes and challenges to the family.

Agnes’s journey towards her calling began during her school years, where she actively participated in a Catholic sodality and developed a keen interest in foreign missions. At the age of 18, she made a life-changing decision to join the Loreto Sisters of Dublin. In 1928, she bid farewell to her mother and embarked on a journey to India, where she would begin her novitiate in Darjeeling the following year. This marked the beginning of her transformation into the figure the world would come to know as Saint Teresa, a beacon of hope and compassion.

From Teacher to Advocate for the Poor

CALCUTTA – After choosing the name Teresa, she dedicated herself to a life of service. She was assigned to a high school in Calcutta, teaching history and geography to the daughters of wealthy families. However, the stark realities of poverty and suffering that surrounded her were inescapable.

“A Call Within a Call”

In 1946, while on a train to Darjeeling for a retreat, Sister Teresa experienced what she described as “a call within a call.” This profound message urged her to leave the convent and dedicate herself to serving the poor while living among them. She felt called to leave her life with the Sisters of Loreto and instead, “follow Christ into the slums to serve him among the poorest of the poor.”

Establishing the Missionaries of Charity

Following permission to leave Loreto, establish a new religious community, and begin her new mission, Saint Teresa took a nursing course. She returned to Calcutta and started living in the slums, opening a school for the impoverished children. Dressed in a simple white sari and sandals, the ordinary attire of an Indian woman, she immersed herself in the community, understanding and addressing the needs of her neighbors, especially the poor and sick, through personal visits.

The demanding work soon attracted volunteers, including former students, who became the foundation of the Missionaries of Charity. Donations of food, clothing, supplies, and the use of buildings also poured in. In 1952, the city of Calcutta provided a former hostel to Saint Teresa, which she transformed into a sanctuary for the dying and destitute. As the order grew, its services expanded to include orphans, abandoned children, alcoholics, the aging, and street people.

A Legacy of Boundless Love

For four decades, Mother Teresa devoted herself tirelessly to the poor. Her love was limitless, and her energy boundless as she traveled the world seeking support and inviting others to recognize the face of Jesus in the poorest of the poor. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing her extraordinary humanitarian work. On September 5, 1997, she passed away. Blessed Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016, solidifying her legacy as a saint and an inspiration to the world.

In the heart of Calcutta, a revolution of love and kindness began. On October 7, 1950, Mother Teresa, with the blessing of the Vatican, established the Missionaries of Charity. This was not just another religious order; it was a beacon of hope for the most marginalized – “the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers,” as Mother Teresa described, “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”

In 1952, Mother Teresa transformed an abandoned Hindu temple into the Kalighat Home for the Dying, later renamed Nirmal Hriday—the Home of the Pure Heart. This sanctuary provided free medical attention and a dignified end for the destitute. It was a place where Muslims could read the Quran, Hindus could receive water from the Ganges, and Catholics could receive extreme unction. Mother Teresa believed that “a beautiful death is for people who lived like animals to die like angels—loved and wanted.

Mother Teresa didn’t stop there. She opened Shanti Nagar (City of Peace), a hospice for those with leprosy. The Missionaries of Charity also established numerous leprosy-outreach clinics throughout Calcutta, offering medication, dressings, and food. Recognizing the plight of homeless children, in 1955, she created Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, the Children’s Home of the Immaculate Heart, providing a safe haven for orphans and homeless youth.

The Missionaries of Charity quickly attracted recruits and donations. By the 1960s, they had established hospices, orphanages, and leper houses across India. Mother Teresa’s vision extended beyond national borders. In 1965, she opened a house in Venezuela with five sisters, followed by houses in Italy, Tanzania, and Austria in 1968. The 1970s saw an explosion of new foundations in the United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Mother Teresa’s work was more than charity; it was a profound act of love and a testament to the power of compassion. Her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to serve those in need, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a world of difference.

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