Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was of Albanian descent. Her father, Nikola Bojaxhiu, was a merchant, and her mother, Dranafile Bojaxhiu, was a homemaker. Anjezë was the youngest of three children, with two older siblings named Aga and Lazar. Her family was deeply religious and of Catholic faith.
Early Religious Inclinations
From an early age, Anjezë showed a deep interest in religion and humanitarian work. At the age of 12, she felt a calling to serve God and decided to dedicate her life to religious service. By the time she was 18, she had decided to join a convent.
Religious Formation
In 1928, Anjezë left her home and traveled to Ireland to join the Sisters of Loreto in Dublin. There, she took the name Sister Mary Teresa in honor of Thérèse de Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries. After receiving her basic training in Ireland, she was sent to India, where she arrived in Kolkata (then Calcutta) in 1929.
Missionary Work and Founding of the Missionaries of Charity
In Kolkata, Sister Teresa began her work with the Loreto Sisters, teaching at St. Mary's School. In 1946, she experienced what she described as a “call within a call,” urging her to leave the convent and work directly with the poor. This led to the establishment of the Missionaries of Charity in 1950.
The Missionaries of Charity initially focused on providing care for the sick and the dying in Kolkata. Mother Teresa and her fellow sisters took on the responsibility of caring for the “poorest of the poor,” setting up homes for the destitute and abandoned. Over time, the organization expanded globally, opening centers in various countries and providing services that ranged from orphanages to leprosy clinics.
Expansion and Global Influence
Under Mother Teresa's leadership, the Missionaries of Charity grew rapidly. By the early 1970s, it had established houses in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The organization’s work received international acclaim and support, leading to further expansion into other parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Mother Teresa’s approach combined compassionate care with a strong emphasis on the dignity of every individual. Her work was not only a response to immediate needs but also aimed at restoring respect and love to those society often ignored.
Recognition and Honors
Mother Teresa’s tireless efforts earned her widespread recognition. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work, which brought her global fame. Her acceptance speech highlighted the importance of caring for the poorest of the poor and the value of love and service.
Apart from the Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa received numerous awards and honors throughout her life, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1980. She was also honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the United States in 1985.
Personal Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the acclaim, Mother Teresa faced criticisms regarding the quality of care in her institutions and her views on abortion and contraception. Some critics questioned the conditions in the homes run by the Missionaries of Charity and her stance on various social issues. Mother Teresa addressed these concerns by emphasizing the spiritual and moral dimensions of her work, insisting that her mission was to serve God and the poor.
Later Years and Death
Mother Teresa continued her work until her health began to deteriorate. In the late 1990s, she experienced several health issues, including heart problems. She stepped down from her role as the head of the Missionaries of Charity in 1997. Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87, in Kolkata.
Canonization and Legacy
Following her death, Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2016. Her canonization was based on her life of extraordinary service and the miracles attributed to her intercession.
Mother Teresa’s legacy lives on through the Missionaries of Charity and the numerous institutions she helped establish. Her life is a testament to the impact of dedicated humanitarian work and the enduring power of compassion. Despite the controversies, her contribution to the welfare of the destitute and her role in highlighting the plight of the poor remain significant aspects of her legacy.
Conclusion
Mother Teresa’s life was marked by a profound dedication to the service of the most marginalized and neglected people. Her unwavering commitment to her mission, despite numerous challenges, has left an indelible mark on the world and continues to inspire acts of charity and service across the globe.ReadMore