Mother Teresa arrives in Calcutta, India, to begin her work among India's poorest and sick people.

Mother Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, revered in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on 26 August 1910. Her Albanian name, pronounced [aˈɲɛzə ˈɡɔndʒɛ bɔjaˈdʒiu], reflects her heritage from Skopje, which was then part of the Kosovo Vilayet of the Ottoman Empire and is now the capital of North Macedonia. This remarkable Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary dedicated her life to serving the destitute, primarily in India.

After spending her first eighteen years in Skopje, Anjezë felt a profound calling to religious life. She embarked on a journey that led her first to Ireland in 1928, where she joined the Sisters of Loreto at Loreto Abbey in Rathfarnham, Dublin. Following her novitiate, she was sent to India in 1929, arriving in Darjeeling. It was in India that she would spend the vast majority of her life, profoundly impacting millions through her tireless humanitarian efforts and unwavering faith.

The Genesis of the Missionaries of Charity

In 1950, driven by what she described as a "call within a call" to serve the poorest of the poor directly, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India. This Roman Catholic religious congregation was established with a singular mission: to care for "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the leprous, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people who have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone."

From its humble beginnings, the congregation experienced rapid growth, expanding its reach across the globe. By 2012, the Missionaries of Charity comprised over 4,500 nuns, actively working in 133 countries, a testament to the enduring impact of Mother Teresa's vision and the dedication of her followers. Today, their presence continues to be felt in numerous nations worldwide, providing vital support and comfort to those on the fringes of society.

The comprehensive services offered by the Missionaries of Charity extend to managing:

Members of the Missionaries of Charity commit themselves to traditional religious vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Uniquely, they also profess a fourth vow: to give "wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor." This additional vow underscores their profound dedication to selfless service, committing them to prioritize the needs of the most marginalized individuals without expectation of material reward or recognition.

Global Recognition and Enduring Legacy

Mother Teresa's unwavering commitment to humanity garnered widespread international recognition throughout her lifetime. Among her numerous accolades, she was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize in 1962, often regarded as Asia's Nobel Prize, for her community leadership. This was followed by the ultimate global recognition, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, which she accepted "in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for." Other significant honors included India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1980, and the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985.

Her profound spiritual impact was formally acknowledged by the Catholic Church. On 4 September 2016, Pope Francis officially canonized her, bestowing upon her the title of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. The canonization process, which typically requires verified miracles attributed to the candidate's intercession, involved the recognition of two such miracles in her case. The anniversary of her death, 5 September, is now celebrated as her feast day within the Catholic liturgical calendar, honoring her life of service and holiness.

Despite widespread admiration for her unparalleled charitable work, Mother Teresa remained a complex and often controversial figure, both during her life and after her passing. While her dedication to the poor was universally lauded, she also faced criticism on several fronts. These included her staunch views against abortion and contraception, which aligned with Catholic doctrine but were at odds with some secular perspectives on reproductive rights. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the conditions in some of her homes for the dying, with critics citing inadequate medical care and hygiene. Questions were also posed regarding the transparency of her organization's finances and their approach to alleviating suffering, with some arguing that her focus was more on spiritual salvation than on active medical intervention. Her authorized biography, penned by Navin Chawla, was published in 1992, and she continues to be the subject of numerous films, books, and academic studies, reflecting the ongoing debate and fascination with her life and work.

In a significant posthumous honor, on 6 September 2017, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, alongside Saint Francis Xavier, was officially named a co-patron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta. This designation solidifies her enduring spiritual connection to the city where she dedicated her life and founded her missionary order, serving as a guiding figure for the local Catholic community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Teresa of Calcutta

When was Mother Teresa canonized?
Mother Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis on 4 September 2016, becoming Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
What is the Missionaries of Charity?
The Missionaries of Charity is a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded by Mother Teresa in 1950, dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor through various charitable works including homes for the dying, orphanages, schools, and clinics globally.
What was Mother Teresa's "fourth vow"?
In addition to the traditional vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, members of the Missionaries of Charity take a unique fourth vow to give "wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor."
Why was Mother Teresa a controversial figure?
While widely admired for her charitable work, Mother Teresa faced criticism for her views on abortion and contraception, the conditions in some of her homes for the dying, and aspects of her organization's financial management and approach to healthcare.