Mother Teresa Humanitarian, Saint, and Servant of the Poor

Mother Teresa (born August 26, 1910 – died September 5, 1997) was a Catholic nun and missionary known for her lifelong dedication to helping the poor, sick, and dying. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, and became a global symbol of compassion and service.

Born in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire (present-day North Macedonia), Mother Teresa joined the Sisters of Loreto and traveled to India, where she taught for nearly 20 years. In 1946, she felt called to leave her convent and serve "the poorest of the poor" directly.

She established hospices, orphanages, and leper houses, and her work earned international recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Her simple white sari with blue trim became a symbol of humility and service.

Canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016, she remains an enduring icon of faith, love, and selfless devotion.

Mother Teresa

Date of Birth: August 26, 1910

Place of Birth: Skopje, Ottoman Empire (now North Macedonia)

Nationality: Albanian-Indian

Known for: Missionaries of Charity, Nobel Peace Prize, Saint of the Poor

Mission of Charity

Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity grew to include thousands of sisters in over 100 countries, devoted to serving those in need. Her work transcended religion and borders, inspiring countless others to live a life of compassion.

Later Years and Canonization

Despite facing criticism and declining health, Mother Teresa continued her work until her death in 1997. She was beatified in 2003 and canonized in 2016, officially becoming Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Lasting Legacy

Mother Teresa’s legacy lives on through her order and through the global recognition of her humanitarian values. Her example of love in action continues to inspire individuals and communities around the world.

Major Career Milestones & Humanitarian Work

Year Event / Institution Category Notes
Religious Formation
1928 Entered the Sisters of Loreto Religious Life Began formal religious training and missionary preparation.
1931 Took the name Teresa Vows Named after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
1937 Final profession of vows Vows Became a full member of the Loreto order in India.
Missionaries of Charity
1948 Left Loreto convent to work independently Transition Received Vatican permission to pursue work among the poor.
1950 Founded Missionaries of Charity Organization Order dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor.
1952 Nirmal Hriday (Home for the Dying) Institution Established hospice for the terminally ill in Calcutta.
1965 International expansion approved by Vatican Expansion Missionaries of Charity began operating outside India.
Global Recognition & Later Years
1979 Nobel Peace Prize Award Awarded for humanitarian work with the poor and sick.
1980s–1990s Global humanitarian advocacy Public Role Spoke internationally on poverty, dignity, and care for the vulnerable.
1997 Death in Calcutta (Kolkata) Historical Event Missionaries of Charity active in over 100 countries at that time.

Legacy & Influence

  • Founded one of the most globally recognized Catholic charitable orders of the 20th century.
  • Became a symbol of direct service to the destitute, sick, and dying.
  • Influenced humanitarian discourse through emphasis on dignity and personal care.
  • Remains a widely studied and debated figure in ethics, religion, and global aid history.

References

Back