Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was a devout Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poor and needy, especially in India. Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, North Macedonia in 1910, she felt a calling to join the Sisters of Loreto missionary order and came to India at age 19 to begin her work.
For over five decades, Mother Teresa lived among the destitute and sick of Calcutta, providing food, shelter, and medical care for those who had nowhere else to turn. She established the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, which grew into a global organization with branches in over 130 countries, all focused on serving “the poorest of the poor.”
Despite facing considerable challenges and criticism throughout her life, Mother Teresa remained steadfast in her commitment to helping others no matter the cost. She was awarded numerous honors and accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, for her selfless work and advocacy for those on the margins of society.
Mother Teresa’s legacy continues to inspire countless individuals and organizations around the world to serve with compassion and humility. Her simple yet profound message of love and service remains as relevant today as when she first began her work: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
