Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu

Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu (1910–1997), better known to the world as Mother Teresa of Calcutta, was a Roman Catholic nun, missionary, and humanitarian who devoted her life to serving the poor, sick, and destitute. Born in Skopje (now the capital of North Macedonia) to Albanian parents, she became one of the most iconic figures of compassion and charity in the 20th century.
Her unwavering commitment to helping the marginalized earned her global recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize (1979) and canonization as Saint Teresa of Calcutta (2016) by the Roman Catholic Church.

Early Life and Background

• Birth: Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born on 26 August 1910 in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire (today North Macedonia).
• Family: She was the youngest of three children born to Nikollë and Dranafile Bojaxhiu, a devout Catholic family of Albanian descent.
• Faith and Early Inspiration:
  • Her father’s sudden death when she was eight years old deepened her faith and strengthened her desire to serve others.
  • From an early age, she was influenced by stories of missionaries and their work in faraway lands.
  • By the age of 12, she felt a strong calling to dedicate her life to God and missionary service.

Religious Calling and Journey to India

At the age of 18, Agnes joined the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish order of nuns engaged in missionary work in India. She left her home in 1928, never to return, and travelled to Dublin, where she received the name Sister Mary Teresa (after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux).
In 1929, she was sent to Calcutta (Kolkata), India, to complete her novitiate and began teaching at St. Mary’s High School for Girls, a school run by the Loreto Sisters in Entally, Kolkata.

• 1931: Took her first religious vows.
• 1937: Took her final vows, adopting the title “Mother Teresa.”
• She served as a teacher and later as principal of St. Mary’s, where she was known for her dedication and compassion for students, especially those from impoverished families.

The “Call Within a Call”

The defining moment of her life came in 1946 while travelling by train from Calcutta to Darjeeling. Mother Teresa experienced what she described as a “call within a call” — a divine inspiration urging her to leave the convent and serve “the poorest of the poor.”
With permission from her superiors and the Vatican, she left the Loreto Order in 1948 and began her mission among the destitute in the slums of Calcutta.

Founding of the Missionaries of Charity

In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation dedicated to serving the poor, the sick, and the dying.
Core Objectives:

• To care for those rejected by society — the homeless, lepers, orphans, and the terminally ill.
• To live a life of simplicity, humility, and total dedication to Christ’s love expressed through service.

Growth and Global Expansion:

• What began with a small group of 12 nuns grew into a worldwide network with thousands of sisters and volunteers.
• The Missionaries of Charity established hospices, orphanages, schools, and leprosy centres across India and in over 130 countries worldwide.

Her most renowned institution, Nirmal Hriday (Pure Heart Home), opened in 1952 in Kolkata to care for the dying and destitute, providing them with dignity and compassion in their final days.

Philosophy and Mission

Mother Teresa’s philosophy was rooted in Christian love and service, guided by the belief that “each person is Jesus in disguise.”
Her work was defined by:

• Compassion: Unconditional love for all, regardless of religion, caste, or background.
• Service: Serving the poorest and most neglected as an act of worship.
• Humility: Living among the poor and sharing their suffering.
• Faith: Drawing strength from prayer and devotion.

Her motto — “Faith in action is love, and love in action is service” — encapsulates her life’s message.

Recognition and Awards

Mother Teresa’s humanitarian work earned her numerous national and international honours, including:

• Padma Shri (1962) and Bharat Ratna (1980) — India’s highest civilian award.
• Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971).
• Nobel Peace Prize (1979) — for her work “in bringing help to suffering humanity.”
• Templeton Prize (1973) and Order of Merit (1983) from the United Kingdom.

When awarded the Nobel Prize, she requested that the traditional banquet funds be donated to the poor of Calcutta.

Criticism and Controversies

While universally admired, Mother Teresa also faced criticism from some quarters.

• Some critics questioned the quality of medical care in her homes and her acceptance of donations from controversial sources.
• She was also criticised for her anti-abortion stance and emphasis on suffering as a form of divine grace.

Despite these debates, her moral and humanitarian influence remained profound and her work continued to inspire millions.

Later Life and Death

Mother Teresa continued her work despite declining health in her later years.

• In 1990, she offered to resign as head of the Missionaries of Charity but was re-elected by her sisters.
• 1997: After suffering a heart attack, she passed away on 5 September 1997 in Kolkata at the age of 87.
• Her funeral was attended by thousands of mourners, including world leaders, and was accorded full state honours by the Indian government.

Canonization and Legacy

• Beatified: In 2003 by Pope John Paul II, given the title “Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.”
• Canonized: On 4 September 2016 by Pope Francis, officially declared “Saint Teresa of Calcutta.”

Legacy:

• The Missionaries of Charity continues her mission, operating homes for the poor, orphans, and the dying across the globe.
• Her life is celebrated annually on September 5, designated as International Day of Charity by the United Nations.
• Mother Teresa remains a global symbol of selfless service, compassion, and humanity.

Famous Quotes

• “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
• “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
• “Peace begins with a smile.”
• “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”