Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje (now North Macedonia), became a symbol of selfless service and humanitarian devotion in the 20th century. As the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, she dedicated her life to serving “the poorest of the poor” in the slums of Kolkata, India.
In 1950, Mother Teresa officially established the Missionaries of Charity, which grew from a small group of nuns into a global organization with thousands of members operating in more than 130 countries, providing care for the sick, homeless, dying, and abandoned. Her simple white sari with blue borders became an international symbol of hope and mercy.
Her work gained global recognition, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. The award highlighted her relentless fight against poverty and her belief that “peace begins with a smile.” Despite criticism from some quarters regarding the conditions in her homes, her unwavering commitment to charity and compassion inspired countless others to volunteer and serve.
Mother Teresa remained a powerful advocate for the voiceless, often speaking at international forums and meeting world leaders while remaining rooted in her mission. In 2016, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Vatican, confirming her lasting impact on the Catholic Church and beyond.
Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, but her legacy lives on through the ongoing work of the Missionaries of Charity and the millions inspired by her message of love, humility, and service.
