Here I’m sharing with you the Mother Teresa Life History, the epitome of kindness and selfless love. If you like the information Mother Teresa Life History provided then please share this post with your friends and families as well.
| Real Name | Mother Teresa |
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1910 |
| Place of Birth | Albania |
| Father’s Name | Nikollë Bojaxhiu |
| Mother’s Name | Dranafile Bojaxhiu |
| Education | Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham |
| Death | 5 September 1997 |
Introduction:
Mother Teresa, known as the “Saint of the Gutters,” is a name synonymous with selfless love and unwavering dedication to the poorest of the poor. Her life’s work in the slums of Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, and her founding of the Missionaries of Charity have left an indelible mark on the world.
Early Life and Calling:
Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, on August 26, 1910. Her birth name was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu. She was the youngest of three children. She was raised in a devout Catholic family. She was deeply influenced by her mother’s piety and compassion for the poor.
At the age of 18, Agnes joined the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns with a mission in India. It was during her novitiate training in Darjeeling that she took the name Sister Mary Teresa, after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Her early years as a nun were spent teaching at St. Mary’s High School in Calcutta, where she exhibited a deep commitment to education and caring for the impoverished.
The Call Within a Call:
In 1946, while traveling to Darjeeling for a retreat, Sister Teresa experienced what she later referred to as the “call within a call.” She described feeling a strong urge from God to leave the convent and work directly with the destitute and suffering. She felt compelled to minister to “the poorest of the poor” and those whom society had marginalized.
Founding of the Missionaries of Charity:
Sister Teresa received permission from the Vatican to leave her convent and venture into the slums of Calcutta. She founded a religious congregation dedicated to serving the poor. With a white sari with blue borders as their habit, the sisters vowed to provide “wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor.”
Work Among the Destitute:
Mother Teresa and her sisters began their work in the slums of Calcutta, providing food, shelter, and medical care to those in desperate need. They ministered to the dying, often bringing individuals off the streets to provide them with dignity in their final moments. The care and compassion they showed to the sick and abandoned were extraordinary.
Growth and International Recognition:
The Missionaries of Charity expanded their work beyond India, establishing hospices, orphanages, and centers for the destitute in countries around the world. Mother Teresa’s selfless dedication and love for humanity earned her international recognition and numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She used her newfound platform to speak out against poverty, suffering, and injustice.
Criticism and Controversy:
Despite her widespread acclaim, Mother Teresa faced criticism and controversy. Some critics argued that her order did not provide adequate medical care, and there were concerns about the conditions in some of her facilities. Mother Teresa herself acknowledged moments of doubt and spiritual darkness in her letters and writings, but these struggles also contributed to her deep empathy for the suffering.
Lasting Impact and Legacy:
Mother Teresa’s legacy is not only in the institutions she established but also in the profound impact she had on individuals and the world. Her unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized inspired countless others to engage in humanitarian work. Her message of love, compassion, and selfless service continues to resonate globally.
Beatification and Canonization:
Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003, an important step toward sainthood in the Catholic Church. On September 4, 2016, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis in recognition of her extraordinary life of service and devotion.
Death and Remembrance:
Mother Teresa passed away on 5 september, 1997. She was 87 years old at the time of death. Her death was mourned worldwide, and her funeral was attended by dignitaries, heads of state, and countless admirers. She left behind a powerful legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness that continues to inspire people of all backgrounds and faiths.
Conclusion:
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, commonly known as Mother Teresa, dedicated her life to a simple yet profound mission: to serve the poorest of the poor with love and compassion. Her work in the slums of Calcutta and the global impact of the Missionaries of Charity have left an enduring legacy that transcends borders and faiths. Her canonization as a saint reaffirms her status as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the transformative power of selfless love and service to humanity. Mother Teresa’s life is a testament to the belief that small acts of kindness and love can change the world for the better.
Read Also:
- Swami Vivekananda Biography in English | History of Swami Vivekananda
- APJ Abdul Kalam Azad Biography in English | Dr. Abdul Kalam Azad History
- Biography of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in English | Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Photo
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Biography in English | History of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
FAQ’s
Q.1. Who was Mother Teresa?
Ans. Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary known for her dedicated service to the poor and destitute in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, and around the world.
Q.2. When and where was Mother Teresa born?
Ans. Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire and is now the capital of North Macedonia.
Q.3. What motivated Mother Teresa to dedicate her life to serving the poor?
Ans. Mother Teresa felt a strong calling from God to serve the poorest of the poor. This calling, often referred to as the “call within a call,” led her to leave her convent and work among the destitute in the slums of Calcutta.
Q.4. What religious order did Mother Teresa belong to?
Ans. Mother Teresa was a member of the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns. Later, she founded her own religious congregation known as the Missionaries of Charity.
Q.5. What did Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity do for the poor and suffering?
Ans. Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity provided food, shelter, medical care, and love to the poorest and most marginalized individuals, including the sick and dying. They ministered to people regardless of their religion or background.
Q.6. When and where did Mother Teresa receive the Nobel Peace Prize?
Ans. Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work. She was awarded the prize in Oslo, Norway.
Q.7. What is Mother Teresa’s message to the world?
Ans. Mother Teresa’s message revolved around love, compassion, and selfless service. She believed in showing kindness to those in need and that small acts of love could make a significant difference in the world.
Q.8. How was Mother Teresa canonized as a saint?
Ans. Mother Teresa was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church on September 4, 2016. This recognition followed the process of beatification and canonization, which includes the verification of miracles attributed to her intercession.
Q.9. What controversies or criticisms did Mother Teresa face during her lifetime?
Ans. Mother Teresa faced criticism and controversies related to the conditions in some of her facilities, allegations of inadequate medical care, and questions about the use of funds donated to the Missionaries of Charity. However, many of her supporters believe that these criticisms were often taken out of context.
Q.10. How is Mother Teresa remembered today?
Ans. Mother Teresa is remembered as a symbol of love, compassion, and selflessness. Her life and work continue to inspire people worldwide to engage in acts of kindness and service to humanity. She is revered as a saint by the Catholic Church and is honored for her dedication to the poor and suffering.
Please Note: Mother Teresa Life History in English. If this article is acceptable to you, then you are requested to give us feedback in the comment box. This small response from you gives us enthusiasm to work.
Hi! I’m Ankit Roy, a full time blogger, digital marketer and Founder of Roy Library. I shall provide you all kinds of study materials, including Notes, Suggestions, Biographies and everything you need.