Mother Teresa: Angel of Goodness

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3 Mar 2024

Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and missionary who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, India in 1950. For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity's expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries. Following her death in 1997, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

Early life and vocation
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, Ottoman Empire (now North Macedonia), to Nikola and Drana Bojaxhiu. She was the youngest of three children. Her father was a businessman and her mother was a housewife. Bojaxhiu was a devout Catholic and attended church regularly.
In 1928, at the age of 18, Bojaxhiu left home to join the Loreto Sisters, a Roman Catholic religious congregation. She went to Ireland to receive her initial training and then was sent to Darjeeling, India, in 1929. She taught at St. Mary's School for Girls in Darjeeling for 15 years.
In 1946, Bojaxhiu experienced a calling to leave her teaching position and devote herself to helping the poor and sick. She received permission from her superiors to do so and began her work by ministering to the sick in the slums of Kolkata.

Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Bojaxhiu founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation dedicated to serving the "poorest of the poor." The congregation began with 12 members, but it quickly grew in size. By the time of Bojaxhiu's death in 1997, there were over 4,500 Missionaries of Charity working in 123 countries.
The Missionaries of Charity operate homes for the sick, dying, orphaned, and abandoned. They also provide food, clothing, and medical care to the poor. The congregation's work is funded by donations from individuals and organizations.

Recognition and legacy
Bojaxhiu's work with the poor and sick earned her international recognition. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her "work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace." She continued to work with the Missionaries of Charity until her death in 1997.
Bojaxhiu's legacy is one of compassion and service to the poor. She is remembered as a symbol of hope and love for those who are suffering. Her work has inspired millions of people around the world to reach out to those in need.

Criticism
Bojaxhiu's work has not been without its critics. Some have accused her of providing inadequate medical care to the poor. Others have criticized her for her views on contraception and abortion.
Despite the criticism, Bojaxhiu's work continues to inspire people around the world. She is a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in the life of another.