Biography of Mother Teresa

Full Name and Common Aliases

Mother Teresa, born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, is widely known by her religious name, Mother Teresa. She is also affectionately referred to as the Saint of the Gutters due to her selfless work with the poor and destitute.

Birth and Death Dates

Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910, and she passed away on September 5, 1997.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Mother Teresa was of Albanian descent and held Indian nationality. She was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary, renowned for her humanitarian work and dedication to the service of the poorest of the poor.

Early Life and Background

Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu was born in Skopje, which is now the capital of North Macedonia. She was the youngest child in a devoutly Catholic family. Her father, Nikola Bojaxhiu, was a successful businessman, and her mother, Dranafile, was a deeply religious woman who instilled in her children the values of charity and compassion. The early death of her father when she was just eight years old left a profound impact on her life, fostering a sense of empathy and responsibility towards those in need.

At the age of 18, Anjezë left her home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she learned English with the intent of becoming a missionary. It was here that she took the name Sister Mary Teresa after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. In 1929, she was sent to India, where she began her novitiate in Darjeeling and later took her first religious vows as a nun.

Major Accomplishments

Mother Teresa's most significant accomplishment was the founding of the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, a Roman Catholic religious congregation dedicated to helping the "poorest of the poor." Under her guidance, the organization grew from a small community of 12 members in Calcutta to thousands of sisters running orphanages, AIDS hospices, and charity centers worldwide.

Her work was recognized globally, earning her numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She accepted the prize "in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society."

Notable Works or Actions

Mother Teresa's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized. She opened the Kalighat Home for the Dying, a hospice where the terminally ill could die with dignity. She also established the Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, a home for orphans and abandoned children, and the Shanti Nagar, a leper colony providing medical care and housing.

Her approach was hands-on; she personally cared for the sick and dying, embodying the compassion and love she preached. Her work extended beyond India, with the Missionaries of Charity establishing centers in over 130 countries by the time of her death.

Impact and Legacy

Mother Teresa's impact on the world is immeasurable. She brought global attention to the plight of the poor and inspired countless individuals to engage in charitable work. Her life and work have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, further cementing her legacy as a symbol of selfless service.

In 2016, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Roman Catholic Church, a testament to her enduring influence and the spiritual legacy she left behind. Her canonization was celebrated by millions around the world, reflecting the deep respect and admiration she garnered during her lifetime.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Mother Teresa is widely quoted and remembered for her profound insights into love, compassion, and service. Her words often reflect her deep faith and commitment to helping others, offering wisdom on the importance of small acts of kindness and the power of love in transforming lives. Quotes like "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love," resonate with people across cultures and religions, encapsulating her philosophy of life.

Her legacy continues to inspire individuals and organizations dedicated to humanitarian efforts, and her quotes serve as a guiding light for those seeking to make a positive impact in the world. Mother Teresa's life and words remind us of the profound difference one person can make through love and compassion.