Mother Teresa: Her Life and Legacy
Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun and missionary, is one of the most recognized and beloved figures of the 20th century. Her tireless dedication to serving the poor and sick in Calcutta, India, and around the world has inspired millions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Mother Teresa’s life, her mission, and her lasting impact.
Who was Mother Teresa?
Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, now North Macedonia, on August 26, 1910, was a Catholic nun and founder of the Missionaries of Charity. She joined the Loreto order at the age of 18 and taught at a school in Calcutta for many years before leaving to start her own order in 1950.
Early Life and Call to Service
Agnes was born into a devout Catholic family and grew up in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire. She felt a strong call to religious life at a young age and joined the Loreto order as a teenager. After teaching at the Loreto convent in Calcutta for several years, she was struck by the poverty and suffering she saw on the streets of the city and felt called to do more.
Founding of the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa received permission from the Vatican to start her own order, the Missionaries of Charity, dedicated to serving “the poorest of the poor.” The order quickly grew, and by the time of Mother Teresa’s death in 1997, it had expanded to more than 130 countries and was serving thousands of people every day.
Work in Calcutta and Around the World
Mother Teresa’s work in Calcutta, where she established a hospice for the dying, a home for abandoned children, and a leper colony, became known around the world. She and her sisters provided medical care, food, and shelter to the poor and sick, often at great personal sacrifice.
In addition to her work in India, Mother Teresa also established missions in other parts of the world, including Africa, South America, and the United States. She traveled extensively, speaking about her mission and inspiring others to join her in serving the poor and sick.
Awards and Recognition
Mother Teresa’s tireless dedication to serving the poor and sick earned her many accolades and awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal in the United States, among other honors.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite her widespread popularity, Mother Teresa was not without her detractors. Some critics accused her of providing substandard medical care and of glorifying suffering. Others questioned her approach to the problem of poverty, arguing that her work focused too much on individual acts of charity and not enough on systemic change.
Legacy and Canonization
Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87. Her legacy lives on through the Missionaries of Charity, which continues to serve the poorest of the poor around the world. In 2016, Mother Teresa was canonized by the Catholic Church, making her a saint.
Conclusion
Mother Teresa’s life and work continue to inspire people around the world. Her dedication to serving the poorest of the poor, and her unwavering commitment to her mission, serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity, and service.
For more great reading resources, please visit our website at itsreadingtimekids.org. Also, Please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel. This helps us to provide more books to children.
