Mother Teresa — a woman whose entire life was devoted to love, humility, and service. Known around the world for her compassion, she built a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
In this blog post, we delve into the remarkable journey of Saint Teresa of Calcutta — from her early beginnings to her elevation to global sainthood.
TL;DR – Quick Summary of Mother Teresa:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu |
| Born | August 26, 1910 – Skopje (present-day North Macedonia) |
| Died | September 5, 1997 – Kolkata, India |
| Known As | Mother Teresa / Saint Teresa of Calcutta |
| Key Legacy | Founder of the Missionaries of Charity |
| Canonized | 2016 by Pope Francis |
| Famous Quote | “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” |
Mother Teresa’s Humble Beginnings in Skopje
Born in 1910 to Albanian parents in Skopje (then part of the Ottoman Empire), young Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu was raised in a deeply religious Catholic household. After the sudden death of her father, her mother instilled in her the values of charity, faith, and love — values that would later shape the rest of her life.
By age 12, she felt drawn to a religious life. At 18, she left home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and then moved to India to begin her mission
Mother Teresa: A “Call Within a Call”
While teaching at a convent school in Kolkata, Sister Teresa received what she later described as a “call within a call” in 1946 — a spiritual message that urged her to leave the convent and serve the poorest of the poor.
She traded her habit for a simple white sari with blue borders and stepped into the slums to care for the sick, feed the hungry, and comfort the dying.
Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious order dedicated to serving the abandoned and the destitute.
What started with just a few sisters grew into a global movement with:
Thousands of nuns and volunteers
Homes in over 100 countries
Orphanages, clinics, AIDS hospices, and schools
Her mission was simple but powerful: to serve those no one else would.
Mother Teresa’s Global Recognition
Though she never sought fame, Mother Teresa became a global icon of compassion. Her tireless work earned her numerous honors, including:
Nobel Peace Prize (1979)
Bharat Ratna (1980) – India’s highest civilian award
Presidential Medal of Freedom (1985)
Order of Merit (1983) – from Queen Elizabeth II
Yet, despite global acclaim, she continued to live simply in Kolkata, in a small room without luxury.
Behind the Smile: A Life of Struggle
Later-published letters revealed that Mother Teresa faced long periods of spiritual doubt and inner dryness. Yet she never let her private struggles affect her outward mission.
Her strength came from an unshakable belief in serving Christ through the poor, and she often said:
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
Death and Sainthood
Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997. The world mourned the loss of a modern-day saint. She was beatified in 2003 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2016, officially becoming Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
Her Legacy Lives On
Today, the Missionaries of Charity continue their work around the globe. Her life reminds us that true greatness lies not in power or wealth, but in kindness and service.
Whether you’re religious or not, her message is universal:
Do small things with great love.
Final Thoughts
Mother Teresa may be gone, but her spirit of unconditional love and compassion lives on. In a world often filled with noise and division, her life remains a powerful reminder that we all can change the world — one act of kindness at a time.
Mother Teresa Conclusion:
Mother Teresa’s life was a shining example of selfless service, unwavering faith, and deep compassion. From her humble beginnings in Skopje to becoming Saint Teresa of Calcutta, she showed the world that one person, driven by love and purpose, can make a profound difference.
Her mission to serve “the poorest of the poor” wasn’t just about charity — it was about restoring dignity, hope, and humanity to those forgotten by society. Though small in stature, her impact was towering.
Today, her legacy continues through the Missionaries of Charity and through the hearts of millions inspired by her words and deeds. As she famously said:
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Let her life inspire us to act with kindness, live with purpose, and love without limits.
