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WHO IS MOTHER TERESA?

A HISTORY

By NTANDO MFEKA Published about a year ago 4 min read

Mother Teresa, born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia (then part of the Ottoman Empire, now North Macedonia), was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to serving the poor and marginalized. She is widely regarded as one of the most inspirational figures of the 20th century.

After joining the Sisters of Loreto at the age of 18, Anjezë took the name Sister Teresa and was sent to India, where she taught at a school in Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). While working as a teacher, she became deeply disturbed by the poverty, suffering, and social inequality surrounding her. In response to this calling, she left the convent in 1948 and ventured into the slums of Kolkata to provide care and support for the destitute.

Initially, Mother Teresa started her work with a small school, but her compassionate spirit and unwavering dedication soon led her to expand her efforts. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an organization dedicated to serving the "poorest of the poor." The Missionaries of Charity grew rapidly, establishing homes, clinics, orphanages, and hospices to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to those in need.

Mother Teresa's work garnered international recognition and support, and her order expanded beyond India to other countries around the world. She became a symbol of selfless service and unconditional love, inspiring countless individuals to devote themselves to serving humanity.

Throughout her life, Mother Teresa displayed an extraordinary commitment to the alleviation of suffering and the promotion of dignity and respect for every human being, regardless of their social status or religious background. Her tireless efforts earned her numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Despite facing criticism and controversy, Mother Teresa remained steadfast in her mission, often referring to the presence of Christ in the poor and marginalized. She believed that by serving and showing love to those who society often overlooked, she was serving and loving God.

Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, but her legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide. She has been canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Catholic Church, and her profound impact on society serves as a reminder of the power of compassion, empathy, and the ability of one individual to make a difference in the lives of many.Mother Teresa, born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia (then part of the Ottoman Empire, now North Macedonia), was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to serving the poor and marginalized. She is widely regarded as one of the most inspirational figures of the 20th century.

After joining the Sisters of Loreto at the age of 18, Anjezë took the name Sister Teresa and was sent to India, where she taught at a school in Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). While working as a teacher, she became deeply disturbed by the poverty, suffering, and social inequality surrounding her. In response to this calling, she left the convent in 1948 and ventured into the slums of Kolkata to provide care and support for the destitute.

Initially, Mother Teresa started her work with a small school, but her compassionate spirit and unwavering dedication soon led her to expand her efforts. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an organization dedicated to serving the "poorest of the poor." The Missionaries of Charity grew rapidly, establishing homes, clinics, orphanages, and hospices to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to those in need.

Mother Teresa's work garnered international recognition and support, and her order expanded beyond India to other countries around the world. She became a symbol of selfless service and unconditional love, inspiring countless individuals to devote themselves to serving humanity.

Throughout her life, Mother Teresa displayed an extraordinary commitment to the alleviation of suffering and the promotion of dignity and respect for every human being, regardless of their social status or religious background. Her tireless efforts earned her numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Despite facing criticism and controversy, Mother Teresa remained steadfast in her mission, often referring to the presence of Christ in the poor and marginalized. She believed that by serving and showing love to those who society often overlooked, she was serving and loving God.

Mother Teresa's presence radiated warmth and compassion, as she dedicated her days to feeding the hungry, tending to the sick, comforting the dying, and embracing those society had cast aside. She became a mother to the orphaned, a friend to the lonely, and a source of hope to the desperate.

Her humility and simplicity were remarkable, as she lived a life of austerity and embraced the same conditions as those she served. Mother Teresa once said, "Love, to be real, must cost—it must hurt—it must empty us of self." She truly embodied this philosophy, committing herself to a life of sacrifice and selflessness.

Mother Teresa's impact extended far beyond the physical help she provided to the poor. She believed that every individual deserved to be seen, heard, and loved, regardless of their circumstances. Her actions spoke louder than words, and her profound love touched the lives of countless individuals.

She inspired others to see the inherent worth and dignity in every human being, to recognize that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect of compassion and transformation in the world.

Mother Teresa's legacy lives on in the Missionaries of Charity, which continues to serve the marginalized and vulnerable in over 130 countries. Her life story and teachings continue to inspire individuals from all walks of life to make a difference, to choose love over indifference, and to embrace the power of selfless service.

Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, but her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to serving humanity remain an enduring source of inspiration. She exemplified the profound impact that one individual can have on the lives of many, reminding us that acts of kindness and compassion can create a more compassionate and just world

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    NMWritten by NTANDO MFEKA

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