Mother Teresa, an icon of compassion and selflessness, remains one of the most revered figures of the 20th century. Born on August 26, 1910, as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, North Macedonia, she dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. Her extraordinary journey from a young girl with a calling to a globally recognized symbol of love and humanity is an inspiring tale of faith, perseverance, and altruism.
Mother Teresa Early Life and Calling
Mother Teresa grew up in a devout Catholic family, which instilled in her the values of compassion and charity. Her father’s untimely death when she was only eight years old marked a turning point in her life. Despite the hardships, her mother’s unwavering faith and generosity influenced young Anjezë deeply. At the age of 18, she felt the divine calling to become a missionary and left her home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland. It was here that she adopted the name Sister Mary Teresa after St. Therese of Lisieux.
After completing her training, she was sent to India, where she taught at a convent school in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Though she enjoyed teaching, she was increasingly troubled by the widespread poverty and suffering surrounding her. This led to a second calling—a “call within a call”—to leave the convent and work directly with the poor.
Mother Teresa Founding the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation. The mission of this organization was simple yet profound: to care for “the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society.” Starting with just a handful of nuns, the Missionaries of Charity grew exponentially, eventually establishing centers across the globe.
Mother Teresa’s work began in the slums of Calcutta, where she opened her first hospice to provide care for the terminally ill. She also established homes for abandoned children, leper colonies, and shelters for the homeless. Her unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized earned her the nickname “Saint of the Gutters.”
Mother Teresa Challenges and Criticism
Mother Teresa’s work was not without challenges. She faced criticism for her views on abortion and contraception, which were in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church but controversial in many parts of the world. Some critics also questioned the quality of care in her facilities, accusing her of glorifying suffering. Despite these criticisms, her dedication to helping the destitute remained unwavering, and she continued her work with grace and humility.
Mother Teresa Awards and Recognition
Mother Teresa’s selfless service earned her numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. During her acceptance speech, she famously said, “If you want peace, go and love your family.” Her humility and wisdom touched the hearts of millions. She also received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1980.
Her legacy extended beyond awards and honors. She inspired countless individuals to dedicate their lives to serving others. Her message of love and compassion transcended borders, religions, and cultures, making her a unifying figure in a divided world.
Canonization and Legacy of Mother Teresa
After her passing on September 5, 1997, Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis in 2016. Today, her legacy lives on through the Missionaries of Charity, which continues to serve the poor and needy in over 130 countries.
Mother Teresa’s life is a testament to the power of love and selflessness. She taught us that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Her unwavering faith, relentless dedication, and boundless compassion serve as an enduring reminder of the good that can be achieved when one dedicates their life to the service of others.
Conclusion
In a world often marked by selfishness and indifference, Mother Teresa’s life stands as a beacon of hope. She proved that a single individual, driven by love and compassion, can change the lives of countless people. Her journey from Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu to Saint Teresa of Calcutta inspires us to look beyond ourselves and work towards the betterment of humanity. Truly, she was a mother not just to the poor of Calcutta but to all those in need around the world.
Essay On Mother Teresa FAQs
1. Who was Mother Teresa?
Ans:- Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary of Albanian descent. She devoted her life to serving the poor, sick, and dying, particularly in Kolkata, India, where she founded the Missionaries of Charity.
2. Why is Mother Teresa considered an inspiration?
Ans:- Mother Teresa is considered an inspiration because of her selfless dedication to helping the underprivileged and marginalized. Her work exemplified compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to humanity.
3. What is the Missionaries of Charity?
Ans:- The Missionaries of Charity is a religious congregation founded by Mother Teresa in 1950. Its primary mission is to care for the “poorest of the poor,” including the homeless, orphans, lepers, and those suffering from terminal illnesses.
4. What is the main message of an essay about Mother Teresa?
Ans:- The essay typically emphasizes her compassion, selflessness, and unwavering faith in serving others. It also highlights her contributions to humanity and the importance of kindness in making a difference.
5. Why is Mother Teresa called the “Saint of the Gutters”?
Ans:- She earned this title because she worked tirelessly in the slums of Kolkata, caring for the most destitute and neglected members of society.