Mother Teresa: Also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was a beloved figure known for her selfless dedication to helping the poor and sick. She was a beacon of hope and compassion, and her legacy continues to inspire people worldwide. While many are familiar with her work and contributions, several untold facts about Mother Teresa are worth knowing. This blog will delve into 11 lesser-known aspects of her life and work that shed light on her remarkable character and impact.
- Early Life and Calling Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which is now part of North Macedonia. Her birth name was Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, and she was the youngest of three children. At the age of 18, she felt a calling to become a nun and left her home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland.
- Her Mission in Calcutta In 1929, Mother Teresa arrived in India and began her missionary work in Calcutta. She dedicated herself to serving the poorest of the poor and established the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 to provide care and support to those in need.
- In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. She used the prize money to fund various charitable projects and expand the reach of her mission.
- Humble Beginnings Despite her widespread recognition and influence, Mother Teresa lived a humble and simple life. She chose to wear a simple white sari with a blue border, which became her signature attire. She also lived in modest accommodations and embraced a life of poverty.
- Openness to All Religions Mother Teresa was known for her openness and acceptance of people from all religious backgrounds. She believed in the importance of love and compassion, regardless of one’s faith, and welcomed individuals of all religions into her care.
- Controversies and Criticisms While Mother Teresa was widely revered, she also faced criticisms and controversies. Some questioned the quality of care provided in her facilities, while others raised concerns about her associations with political figures and leaders with questionable reputations.
- Global Impact Mother Teresa’s impact extended far beyond Calcutta, as she established missions and centers around the world. Her work reached countries such as the United States, Venezuela, and Tanzania, where her mission of serving the poor and sick continued to make a difference.
- Personal Struggles Despite her unwavering dedication to helping others, Mother Teresa experienced her struggles and doubts. She wrote in her letters that she faced periods of spiritual emptiness and felt distant from God, yet she continued to serve with compassion and resilience.
- Canonization as a Saint Mother Teresa was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016, recognizing her exemplary life and the miracles attributed to her intercession. She is now known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, and her legacy is celebrated by millions of people worldwide.
- Lasting Influence Even after her passing in 1997, Mother Teresa’s influence and impact continue to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Her selfless dedication to serving the marginalized and vulnerable serves as a timeless example of the power of love and compassion.
- Enduring Legacy Mother Teresa’s legacy lives on through the Missionaries of Charity, which continues to operate in numerous countries, providing essential care and support to those in need. Her life and work have left an indelible mark on the world, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.
In conclusion:
Mother Teresa’s life was marked by extraordinary compassion, resilience, and dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of society. Her untold facts shed light on the depth of her character and the lasting impact of her work. As we reflect on her legacy, may we be inspired to embody the same spirit of love and selflessness in our own lives?
WRITTEN BY ALEX
FAQs and answers
1. What were Mother Teresa’s real name and early life like?
Mother Teresa was born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje (now in North Macedonia). She grew up in a devout Catholic family and felt the call to religious life at a young age. At 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland before moving to India.
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2. Why did Mother Teresa leave the convent to serve the poor?
In 1946, while traveling by train to Darjeeling, Mother Teresa experienced what she described as a “call within a call” to serve the poorest of the poor outside the convent. She obtained permission from the Vatican in 1948 to leave her teaching position and start her mission.
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3. How did Mother Teresa establish the Missionaries of Charity?
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata (Calcutta), India. The organization’s mission was to care for the “hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers” and all those in need. Today, the order has over 5,000 sisters worldwide.
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4. Did Mother Teresa receive any major awards for her work?
Yes, she received several prestigious awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work. She also received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1980.
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5. Was Mother Teresa ever canonized as a saint?
Yes, Mother Teresa was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016. Her beatification took place in 2003, following recognition of a miracle attributed to her intercession.
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6. What controversies surrounded Mother Teresa’s work?
Some critics argued that the medical care in her homes was inadequate and that she accepted donations from controversial figures. However, her supporters maintained that her mission was to provide dignity to the dying, not advanced medical treatment.
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7. How has Mother Teresa’s legacy continued after her death?
Since her passing in 1997, the Missionaries of Charity have expanded globally, continuing to serve the poorest communities. Pope Francis has often praised her as a symbol of compassion and love.
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