Beginnings
Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire (now North Macedonia), felt a call to religious life at a young age. At 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto and was sent to India, where she taught at a school in Calcutta. However, the extreme poverty she witnessed in the streets deeply affected her, prompting her to leave the convent and live among the poor. Reflecting on her calling, she once said, "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
Prime Years
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation dedicated to serving "the poorest of the poor." Her work focused on providing care to the sick, the dying, the orphaned, and the leprous. Her tireless efforts in the slums of Calcutta gained international recognition, and she received numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one," she famously said, emphasizing the importance of small acts of kindness.
Mother Teresa's work extended globally, establishing hospices and homes for the destitute in over 100 countries. Her philosophy of compassionate service and her deep faith in God guided her actions. "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love," she often reminded people, illustrating her belief in the power of love and compassion in everyday actions.
Legacy
Mother Teresa's legacy is one of profound humanitarian impact. She dedicated her life to serving the most vulnerable, embodying selflessness and unconditional love. Her work continues through the Missionaries of Charity, which remains active worldwide, caring for the sick, the poor, and the marginalized.
In 2016, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Roman Catholic Church. Her legacy inspires millions to act with kindness and compassion. "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier," she advised, capturing the essence of her mission to spread joy and love through service.
