Mother Teresa Biography – Discover the inspiring life of Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun and humanitarian known for her charity work with the poor. Learn about her early life, education, career, achievements, awards, controversies, and lasting legacy.
Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, North Macedonia, was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, an organization that provided food, medical care, and shelter to the needy.
Widely known as the “Saint of the Gutters”, Mother Teresa’s work extended across India and other parts of the world, earning her global recognition. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian efforts. However, her legacy is not without controversy, as critics have questioned her methods and the conditions of her charity’s facilities.
Despite this, her contributions to society remain undeniable. She was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Catholic Church in 2016, and her work continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Mother Teresa Biography: Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mother Teresa (Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu) |
| Profession | Catholic Nun, Missionary, Humanitarian |
| Nationality | Albanian-Indian |
| Age at Death | 87 years (1910–1997) |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Education | Loreto Abbey, Dublin; Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Net Worth | None (Lived a life of poverty) |
| Family | Parents: Nikola and Dranafile Bojaxhiu, Siblings: Aga and Lazar Bojaxhiu |
| University | None (Religious training in Dublin and India) |
| Career Highlights | Founder of Missionaries of Charity, Nobel Peace Prize Winner |
| Controversies | Criticism of healthcare standards in her charity, stance on suffering and conversion |
| Death | September 5, 1997 (Calcutta, India) |
| Canonization | September 4, 2016 (Declared Saint Teresa of Calcutta) |
Key Takeaways
- Mother Teresa was born in Albania and later became an Indian citizen.
- She founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Catholic order dedicated to helping the poor.
- She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work.
- Critics have questioned the medical conditions in her charity’s centers and her views on suffering.
- She was canonized as a saint in 2016 by the Catholic Church.
Early Life and Childhood
Mother Teresa was born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire (now North Macedonia), on August 26, 1910. She was the youngest of three children in a devout Catholic family. Her father, Nikola Bojaxhiu, was a businessman and politician who died when she was just eight years old, leaving the family in financial hardship.
From a young age, Teresa felt a strong calling to religious life. She was inspired by missionary stories and the lives of saints, which led her to dedicate her life to serving others.
Education and Religious Training
Mother Teresa received her early education at a Catholic high school in Skopje. At 18, she left home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Dublin, Ireland, where she began her religious training. She later traveled to Darjeeling, India, for further training and took her first vows as a nun in 1931.
She adopted the name Teresa, after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries. In 1937, she took her final vows and became “Mother Teresa.”
Career and Achievements
Becoming a Missionary
Mother Teresa initially worked as a teacher at St. Mary’s School in Kolkata (Calcutta), India. However, in 1946, she experienced what she described as a “call within a call”—a deep conviction to serve the poorest of the poor.
She left the convent in 1948 and began working among the sick, dying, and homeless in Kolkata. With no money, she relied on donations and started a small open-air school.
Founding the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation that focused on helping the poor, abandoned, and dying. The organization quickly grew, establishing orphanages, hospices, and leprosy centers across India and later worldwide.
Notable Achievements and Awards
- Nobel Peace Prize (1979) – For her dedication to the poor and suffering.
- Bharat Ratna (1980) – India’s highest civilian award.
- Order of Merit (1983) – From the UK for her humanitarian work.
- Canonized as Saint Teresa (2016) – Recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Famous Quotes by Mother Teresa
- “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
- “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
- “Peace begins with a smile.”
- “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
Controversies and Criticism
Despite her saintly reputation, Mother Teresa faced criticism:
- Healthcare Concerns – Critics argued that her hospices lacked proper medical care, focusing more on suffering than treatment.
- Religious Conversion Accusations – Some accused her of using charity work to convert people to Christianity.
- Use of Donations – Questions arose about how the large donations received by Missionaries of Charity were used.
Death and Canonization
Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, in Calcutta, India, at 87 years old. Her funeral was attended by dignitaries from around the world.
In 2016, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis after two miracles were attributed to her.
Conclusion
Mother Teresa’s legacy remains one of compassion, selfless service, and dedication to the poor. Despite controversies, she remains an icon of charity and faith, inspiring millions worldwide. Her Missionaries of Charity continue to serve the needy, proving that her work lives on.
FAQs About Mother Teresa
1. What was Mother Teresa’s real name?
Her birth name was Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu.
2. Did Mother Teresa have any money?
No, she took a vow of poverty and had no personal wealth.
3. Why did Mother Teresa win the Nobel Peace Prize?
She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian efforts in serving the poor and sick.
4. Was Mother Teresa ever married?
No, she remained a Catholic nun her entire life.
5. What was controversial about Mother Teresa?
Critics raised concerns about the lack of proper medical care in her charity’s facilities and her views on suffering.
