by Mother Teresa Biography : Mother Teresa is a figure who rises beyond borders, cultures, and faiths — a timeless symbol of kindness, empathy, and selfless service to those abandoned by society. Born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in a quiet corner of the then-Ottoman Empire, her extraordinary journey from a young girl with a spiritual calling to one of the world’s greatest humanitarian icons reflects the strength of conviction and purpose. Her life was not simply a chronological path of events, but a mission rooted in the belief that true devotion is found in serving the most vulnerable.
On a platform like Net Worth Guru, where success is often evaluated in material value, Mother Teresa presents a powerful contrast. Her wealth was not stored in possessions or assets — it was reflected in millions of lives uplifted and in the global charitable movement she founded from nothing more than faith, courage, and a simple blue-bordered sari. Today, her organization continues to serve people in over 130 countries, forming a legacy richer than any financial measure.
This biography explores her formative years, the defining moment known as the “call within a call,” and the remarkable rise of the Missionaries of Charity. It also highlights how a woman with no financial backing, political ties, or social power went on to become one of the most influential figures of the 20th century — receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and ultimately being canonized as a Saint.
Mother Teresa — Detailed Personal Profile
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu |
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1910 |
| Place of Birth | Skopje, Ottoman Empire (now North Macedonia) |
| Nationality | Albanian by birth; Indian citizen (from 1948) |
| Religious Order | Sisters of Loreto (1928–1948), Founder of Missionaries of Charity |
| Also Known As | Mother Teresa of Calcutta, The Saint of the Gutters |
| Date of Death | September 5, 1997 |
| Place of Death | Kolkata (Calcutta), India |
| Canonization | September 4, 2016, by Pope Francis |
| Feast Day | September 5 |
Who Was Mother Teresa and What Shaped Her Life’s Calling?
Before the world knew her as Mother Teresa, she was Agnes — the youngest child in a deeply spiritual Albanian household. Her father, Nikola Bojaxhiu, was a community leader and businessman whose untimely death left the family in emotional and financial difficulty. Her mother, Dranafile, instilled compassion through action, often welcoming the poor into their home for meals and teaching her children to share whatever they had.
By the age of 12, Agnes felt drawn toward missionary work. Inspired by stories of priests and nuns serving in India, she resolved to dedicate her life to God’s service. At 18, she left her family forever to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she trained as a teacher and prepared for her mission in India — a land she felt destined to serve.
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How Did the Missionaries of Charity Begin?
For nearly two decades, she worked as a teacher and later principal at St. Mary’s School in Calcutta. Yet, the suffering she witnessed outside the convent walls — hunger, disease, and abandonment — deeply troubled her heart. On September 10, 1946, during a train journey to Darjeeling, she experienced what she described as a “call within a call” — a divine directive to leave the convent and live among the poor.
The transition was difficult and required special permission from the Vatican. In 1948, she stepped into the slums wearing a simple white sari with blue stripes, carrying no money and no institutional backing. She began by opening an outdoor school for children and caring for the sick and dying who had been left alone on the streets. Over time, her compassion drew followers, and in 1950, the Vatican officially recognized the Missionaries of Charity.
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Key Milestones and Worldwide Recognition of Mother Teresa
| Year | Milestone / Award | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Missionaries of Charity Founded | Began with 12 members in Calcutta |
| 1952 | Nirmal Hriday (Kalighat) Established | First home for the dying and destitute |
| 1962 | Padma Shri Award | Recognition of her social service in India |
| 1979 | Nobel Peace Prize | Honored for humanitarian work and service to mankind |
| 1980 | Bharat Ratna | India’s highest civilian award |
| 1997 | Passing of Mother Teresa | Congregation expanded to 123 countries |
A Legacy That Grew Beyond Borders
Mother Teresa’s mission extended far beyond India. She opened homes in countries divided by war, politics, and ideology — including conflict zones and communist regions where religious institutions were often restricted. During the Siege of Beirut, she negotiated a temporary ceasefire to rescue trapped children — a testament to her moral influence.
Her philosophy was rooted in humility and compassion. She believed the greatest form of poverty was loneliness and rejection, and that every act of care — no matter how small — carried spiritual value. Whether addressing world leaders or washing the wounds of the sick, her message remained the same: love, dignity, and service.
Who Were Her Critics and How Did She Respond?
Although admired globally, Mother Teresa was not free from criticism. Some argued that her centers lacked modern medical facilities, while others questioned the theological views she held regarding suffering and morality.
She rarely engaged in debate. Instead, she emphasized that her homes were not hospitals, but places where the forgotten could experience dignity, comfort, and human connection in their final days. Her approach continues to spark thoughtful discussion in academic, humanitarian, and faith communities.
When Mother Teresa passed away in 1997, she was honored with a state funeral — an acknowledgment reserved for the most significant national figures. She owned no property, accumulated no personal wealth, and lived with the bare minimum — yet her influence reshaped the world.
Mother Teresa Biography FAQ
Why did Mother Teresa choose the blue-bordered sari?
She selected the white sari with blue stripes because it was a simple garment worn by working-class women in Calcutta, symbolizing humility and solidarity with the poor.
Is the Missionaries of Charity still active today?
Yes. The order remains highly active, with over 5,000 sisters serving across more than 130 countries.
What is meant by her “dark night of the soul”?
Her personal letters revealed that she endured long periods of spiritual emptiness, yet continued her work — highlighting her dedication despite inner struggle.
How many miracles were recognized for her sainthood?
Two miracles — one in India (1998) and another in Brazil (2008) — were officially recognized by the Catholic Church.
Did Mother Teresa maintain contact with her family?
She never saw her mother or sister again after leaving for Ireland, though she later reconnected with her brother. Her commitment remained focused on her missionary life.
