Mother Teresa: A Life of Service to the Poor and Sick

Introduction

Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick in Calcutta, India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious order that continues her work today. Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her tireless efforts to help those in need.

Early Life and Education

Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, on August 26, 1910. Her parents were devout Catholics, and she received a Catholic education. At the age of 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto and was sent to Calcutta to teach.

Missionaries of Charity

In 1948, Mother Teresa left the Sisters of Loreto to found the Missionaries of Charity. The Missionaries of Charity is a religious order dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor. The order's members take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and live in simple communities.

Work in Calcutta

Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity began their work in Calcutta by establishing a home for the dying. They soon expanded their work to include orphanages, schools, and clinics. Mother Teresa's work was often dangerous and difficult, but she never gave up.

Nobel Peace Prize

In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless efforts to help those in need. The Nobel Committee praised Mother Teresa's "work for the relief of human suffering" and her "promotion of peace and understanding."

Death and Legacy

Mother Teresa died in Calcutta on September 5, 1997. She was 87 years old. Mother Teresa is remembered as one of the most influential humanitarian figures of the 20th century. Her work has inspired countless people to serve the poor and sick.

Quotes from Mother Teresa

* "The greatest disease is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted." * "Love is not patronizing and charity isn't about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same -- with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead." * "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."

Here are some additional resources on Mother Teresa:

* The Missionaries of Charity website: https://www.missionariesofcharity.org/ * The Nobel Peace Prize website: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1979/teresa/biographical/ * The Mother Teresa Center for Peace website: https://www.motherteresacenterforpeace.org/

Mamma Teresa