Mother Teresa is one of the most renowned personalities in the entire world simply because of her charitability. She was a lady who had won the hearts of people from all corners of the globe for helping poor and sick people. Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910. Her journey started when she was very young and she decided to help others, eventually becoming a nun. At the age of 18, she moved to Ireland and later India, witnessing many homeless people.
Mother Teresa set up a group called the Missionaries of Charity. Their job was to look after people who had no one to care for them. Mother Teresa opened many shelters for homeless and sick people to stay and be taken care of. Because she helped so many people, she was given a very special award called the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Even though Mother Teresa died in 1997, many people still remember her because she showed that doing kind things can make a big difference. Here, you can find out all about her life and journey, awards and achievements, Mother Teresa's full name and many more. So, let’s get started!
Mother Teresa: One Lady Among Indian Nobel Prize Winners
- Among the Indian Nobel Prize winners, Mother Teresa stands tall as a towering figure of compassion and service. Born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu (her real name) on August 26, 1910 in Skopje, North Macedonia, she chose India as her field of work and life.
- In 1979, the world recognised her selfless service when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Committee honoured her "for her work for bringing help to suffering humanity," acknowledging her tireless efforts to aid the destitute, sick and dying on the streets of Calcutta.
- Mother Teresa's journey began when she left home at eighteen to join the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns with missions in India.
- She arrived in India in 1929 and started her novitiate in Darjeeling, where she learned Bengali and taught at St. Teresa's School near her convent.
- In 1948, she was granted permission to leave her post at the convent and dedicate herself to working among the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta.
Her quotes, like "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love," continue to inspire and resonate with people around the world.
- Her efforts led to the formation of the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, a congregation dedicated to caring for "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone." This order now operates in over 130 countries, providing food, medical aid and support to those in need.
- Mother Teresa's life was a testament to the enduring human spirit of giving. She received numerous other awards and distinctions throughout her life, including the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the Balzan Prize. She also faced criticism and scrutiny, but her commitment to her work remained unwavering until her death on September 5, 1997.
Her role as the leader of the Missionaries of Charity, based in Calcutta, and her Indian residence at the time of the award, highlight the deep connection she had with the people she served. She became a symbol of charity and a beacon of hope for the poor, the sick, and the dying, embodying the very essence of humanitarian work.
Today, Mother Teresa is remembered not just as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate but also as a saint by the Catholic Church. Her legacy lives on through the work of the Missionaries of Charity and the countless lives she touched through her unwavering commitment to serving others.
Mother Teresa Shelter List for Homeless and Sick
Mother Teresa's work with the Missionaries of Charity stands as a beacon of hope and compassion for the most vulnerable members of society. Her dedication to the service of the needy led to the establishment of several homes and initiatives, each addressing different aspects of care and support.
Homes for the Abandoned
This Mother Teresa Shelter is a sanctuary for individuals who have been left alone without any familial or social support. In these facilities, the abandoned find not only a roof over their heads but also the warmth of a community that cares for them. The staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that these individuals live their lives with dignity and respect.
Shishu Bhavan – Homes for Children
These homes provide a nurturing environment for children who are orphaned or abandoned. At Shishu Bhavan, children receive the care and attention they need, including education, healthcare and emotional support. The goal is to give these children a stable foundation, enabling them to grow into confident and self-reliant individuals.
Nirmal Hriday - Homes for the Sick and Dying
These homes are dedicated to serving the critically ill and those in the end times of their lives. In these spaces, the focus is on providing care, easing the pain and suffering of the sick and offering them a place to spend their final days in peace and comfort.
Care for Physically and Mentally Challenged Women
Recognising the specific needs of women with physical and mental challenges, these homes offer specialised care. They provide medical attention, therapy and a supportive environment that helps these women lead fulfilling lives despite their challenges.
Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) Centres
Leprosy, which is a dreadful disease, receives special attention in these centres. Patients are given medical treatment and rehabilitation services. Importantly, these centres also work towards breaking the stigma associated with leprosy, advocating for the patients’ reintegration into society.
Besides these homes, the Missionaries of Charity extend their service through several other initiatives:
Educational Programs
These programs are focused on educating underprivileged children. The belief is that education is a crucial tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling children to build a better future for themselves.
Medical Assistance for Outpatients
Understanding the need for regular medical care, especially for those who cannot afford it, the Missionaries of Charity offer medical services to outpatients. This includes regular check-ups, treatment of minor ailments and guidance on health, and hygiene.
Social Assistance
The social assistance programs encompass a wide range of services, from providing daily meals and clothing to the poor to more targeted interventions like counselling and social work.
Relief Work
In times of natural disasters, the organisation steps in to provide critical aid. This includes distributing food, water, medicines and other essentials to those affected by calamities.
Mother Teresa’s vision and mission continue to live on through these numerous initiatives. Each home and program is a testament to her belief in the power of love and service. The Missionaries of Charity, through their work, ensure the legacy of Mother Teresa, her values of compassion and her unyielding commitment.
Contributions of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was a global symbol of compassion and humanitarian work. Her life was a testament to selfless service, and her achievements are numerous and impactful. Here are some of her most significant contributions and achievements:
1. Contributions
- Dedication to Serving the Poor and the Sick
Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving the impoverished and marginalised. Her work extended beyond religious boundaries, serving people of all faiths and backgrounds with compassion and care.
- Establishment of the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, in Kolkata, India, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity. This religious congregation’s primary mission was to serve the “poorest of the poor” and those in desperate need. The organisation’s work included caring for the sick, destitute and dying, and it extended to over 130 countries.
- Kalighat Home for the Dying
Mother Teresa began a Home for the Dying in 1952 to provide dignity and care for people with terminal illnesses, serving people from various walks of life, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or gender backgrounds.
- Nirmala Shishu Bhavan
She established centres like Nirmala Shishu Bhavan for orphaned and homeless children, providing them with education, shelter and nurturing care.
- Relief Efforts for People with Leprosy
She created homes for people affected by Hansen’s disease (leprosy), offering them care, hope, and dignity.
- Evacuation During Siege of Beirut
In 1982, during the Siege of Beirut, Mother Teresa helped evacuate 37 children from a mental hospital in a war zone, showing her commitment to humanitarian work even in dangerous situations.
2. Achievements
- Legacy as an Inspiring Figure
Mother Teresa remains one of the most admired people of the 20th century, known for her dedication to helping the needy and her advocacy for peace and reconciliation. She has inspired many to join her mission of serving the poor.
- High Civilian Honours in India
Mother Teresa was awarded some of India’s highest civilian honours, including the Bharat Ratna in 1980, recognising her humanitarian efforts.
- International Awards
Throughout her life, she received numerous awards for her humanitarian work, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the inaugural Pope John XXIII Peace Prize and the Templeton Prize.
- Nobel Peace Prize 1979
In 1979, Mother Teresa, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This prestigious recognition was given to her for her extensive work in combating poverty and distress, which she believed were major threats to peace in the world.
Her approach went beyond merely providing material assistance; it was about bringing hope, dignity and a sense of care to the most deprived population of the society.
Mother Teresa's commitment to serving the poorest of the poor in Kolkata, India, and eventually in other parts of the world, demonstrated her belief in the power of love and kindness. This Nobel Peace Prize not only honoured her efforts but also showered a light on the broader issues of poverty and the importance of humanitarian work in promoting peace.
Death of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, a globally revered humanitarian and Catholic nun, passed away on September 5, 1997 at the age of 87. She had suffered health issues due to her, however, she was not a soul who would easily give up on the death bed. She eventually had heart failure, which became the cause of her death.
Her funeral was significant where millions of people visited her and mourned over her death. It was also attended by many dignitaries and people from all walks of life. It reflected the immense impact of her humanitarian work.
The Government of India honoured her with a state funeral, a testament to her immense contributions to the country and the world. Her final resting place, in the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, quickly became a pilgrimage site for people of all faiths, symbolising the global reach of her compassionate work.
Her death occurred shortly after the death of Princess Diana, who died on 31 August, 1997, another globally recognised figure known for her humanitarian efforts. The close timing of their deaths highlighted the contributions of both women to charitable causes and left a profound impact on the public consciousness.
Mother Teresa Quotes
Mother Teresa was one of the most beloved personalities of all time who defined the symbol of peace and love. She has served the nation with utmost grace and is still alive in the hearts of people. While she was alive, she also gave us many inspiring speeches. Here are some of the most influential Mother Teresa quotes.
- Peace begins with a smile.
- If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
- We fear the future because we are wasting today.
- Do not think that love, to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired.
- Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
- Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
- True love is love that causes us pain, that hurts and yet brings us joy. That is why we must pray to God and ask Him to give us the courage to love.
- The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.
- It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.
- A life not lived for others is not a life.
- Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.
- I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness.
- If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
- I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.
- God does not require us to succeed; he only requires that you try.
- The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.
- Be happy in the moment; that is enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.
- Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
- Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.
- I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.
- Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it.
- Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come, we have only today, let us begin.
- I'm a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.
- If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.
- Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
- Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier.
- One of the realities we are all called to go through is to move from repulsion to compassion and from compassion to wonderment.
- Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realise it.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
