Mother Teresa establishes the Missionaries of Charity.
Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje (now North Macedonia), was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary who devoted her life to serving the poorest of the poor. From a young age, she felt a deep spiritual calling to help those in need, which led her to join the Sisters of Loreto at the age of 18. She was sent to India, where she began teaching at a convent school in Calcutta. However, her true mission emerged in 1946 when she experienced what she described as a “call within a call”—a divine inspiration to leave the convent and work directly among the destitute.
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation dedicated to caring for the sick, the dying, the orphaned, and the marginalized. What began as a small group of nuns in Calcutta grew into a global organization with thousands of members across more than 130 countries. Her approach emphasized compassion in action—tending to the immediate physical and emotional needs of individuals, regardless of religion or background. The Missionaries of Charity became known for their hospices, leprosy centers, and orphanages, all operating under the principle of serving “the poorest of the poor.”
Mother Teresa’s work earned her worldwide recognition and numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Despite her fame, she remained humble, often emphasizing that her work was not about grand gestures but about small acts of love done with great devotion. Her simple lifestyle and unwavering commitment inspired countless people to volunteer, donate, or follow similar paths of service. Yet, she also faced criticism from some who questioned her methods, the quality of medical care in her homes, and her stance on issues like contraception and abortion. Still, her legacy as a symbol of selfless compassion remains powerful and widely respected.
Mother Teresa passed away in 1997, leaving behind a movement that continues to serve millions. In 2016, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Roman Catholic Church. Her life stands as a testament to the power of faith and love in action—a reminder that even one person, guided by conviction and compassion, can profoundly impact the world. Through her words and deeds, Mother Teresa demonstrated that serving others is both a spiritual calling and a universal expression of humanity.