INTRO: St. Teresa of Calcutta, also known as Mother Teresa, is one of the most revered figures in modern history, renowned for her unwavering commitment to serving the underprivileged and her deep spirituality. Born in Albania, she dedicated her life to helping the poorest of the poor, establishing a legacy that continues to inspire people around the world. Here are ten significant facts that shed light on her extraordinary life and impact.
1. St. Teresa of Calcutta was born in Albania in 1910
St. Teresa of Calcutta was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which at the time was part of the Ottoman Empire and is now the capital of North Macedonia. Born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu to Albanian parents, she was the youngest of three siblings. From an early age, she displayed a strong desire to serve others, influenced by her mother’s charitable acts and the stories of missionaries that she heard during her childhood. At the age of 18, she left her home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey in religious service.
2. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950
In 1950, after years of teaching and serving the poorest citizens of Calcutta, St. Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation devoted to serving "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the sick, the imprisoned, and those who die alone." Starting with just a handful of members, the order rapidly expanded, attracting individuals from various backgrounds who shared her vision of compassion and service. The Missionaries of Charity now operates in over 130 countries, providing essential support and care to those in need, embodying St. Teresa’s belief that "not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love."
3. St. Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979
In recognition of her tireless efforts to alleviate suffering, St. Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. During her acceptance speech, she emphasized the importance of love and compassion, stating that peace begins with a smile. The Nobel Committee acknowledged her extraordinary work in bringing hope and dignity to the poorest communities, highlighting her dedication to the values of humanity. St. Teresa’s acceptance of the award only furthered her mission, as she used the platform to raise awareness about poverty and the need for humanitarian assistance worldwide.
4. She served the poorest of the poor in over 100 countries
Throughout her lifetime, St. Teresa traveled extensively, establishing homes and centers for the needy in over 100 countries. Her work took her to places like Ethiopia, Venezuela, and the slums of Kolkata, where she provided comfort and care to those abandoned by society. She believed that every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserved dignity and compassion. Her outreach efforts spanned various demographics, and she reminded her followers that helping the most marginalized was a fundamental duty of all, regardless of faith or background.
5. St. Teresa encountered a "dark night of the soul"
Despite her public persona as a model of faith and devotion, St. Teresa experienced a profound spiritual struggle often referred to as a "dark night of the soul." After her initial years of service, she faced a period of spiritual desolation, where she felt a lack of connection to God and a deep sense of loneliness. This struggle lasted for decades, and she often wrote about her feelings of abandonment in her private letters. Yet, rather than allowing these experiences to deter her mission, she persevered, finding strength in her commitment to serve others, ultimately serving as a testament to her deep faith and resilience.
6. She was canonized as a saint in 2016 by Pope Francis
St. Teresa’s exceptional life was officially recognized by the Catholic Church when she was canonized as a saint on September 4, 2016, during a ceremony presided over by Pope Francis. Her canonization came just 19 years after her death, a remarkable timeframe that reflects the profound impact she had on the Church and the world. The pope emphasized her unwavering commitment to the poor and her embodiment of the Christian call to serve the marginalised. Today, she is venerated as a saint, inspiring millions to embrace her spirit of service and love.
7. St. Teresa’s life inspired countless humanitarian efforts
St. Teresa’s legacy transcends her own work, inspiring countless humanitarian initiatives and organizations worldwide. Her dedication to the poor has spurred individuals and groups to engage in acts of kindness and charity, often driven by her teachings on love, compassion, and service. Many non-profit organizations cite her as a primary influence, adopting her principles in their missions to aid the less fortunate. St. Teresa’s life serves as a powerful reminder that one person can indeed make a significant difference in the world.
8. She wrote over 200 letters to world leaders and celebrities
Throughout her life, St. Teresa engaged with numerous world leaders and celebrities, using her influence to promote humanitarian issues. She authored over 200 letters, often imploring them to take action against poverty and injustice. Her correspondence highlighted her commitment to advocacy, urging those in power to address the needs of the vulnerable populations she served. These letters, which ranged from personal reflections to requests for support, underscore her belief that every individual has the responsibility to contribute positively to society.
9. St. Teresa’s work focused on love and compassion for all
At the core of St. Teresa’s mission was the belief that love and compassion should be extended to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. She often said, "I see Jesus in every human being," which guided her approach to serving others. Her work was not limited to a specific faith or community; instead, she emphasized the universality of love and the importance of treating every person with dignity and respect. This philosophy resonated deeply with people from all walks of life, urging them to embrace kindness and compassion as fundamental values.
10. Her feast day is celebrated on September 5 each year
St. Teresa’s life and legacy are commemorated annually on her feast day, September 5. This date marks the anniversary of her death in 1997, a day designated for reflection on her teachings and the spirit of service she embodied. Celebrations often include prayer services, acts of charity, and community outreach, encouraging individuals to carry forward her legacy of love and compassion. The observance of her feast day serves not only as a tribute to her life but also as a call to action for people to actively participate in improving the lives of those around them.
OUTRO: St. Teresa of Calcutta remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for many around the globe. Her life and work exemplify the profound impact that one person can have in changing the world through love and service. By embodying the principles of compassion, humility, and dedication, she encourages us all to engage in acts of kindness and to support those in need, continually reminding us that the heart of humanity lies in our capacity to care for one another.