Apostle of the Poor.

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Explore Mother Teresa's inspiring life, miraculous deeds, lasting legacy in the Catholic Faith, and sanctified journey celebrated on her special feast day.

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta's Feast Day

September 5

Where Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta Is Buried

Mother Teresa is buried at the Missionaries of Charity’s Mother House in Kolkata, India.

Discover His Story

The Life of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

 

Saint Mother Teresa: A Life of Devotion

 

Saint Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, embraced a calling to serve the poorest of the poor. Leaving behind a life of privilege, she travelled to Calcutta, India, where her deep faith ignited a mission of love and mercy. Her heart beat with compassion, and she saw Christ in every suffering face, teaching us that a humble life can radiate God’s light.

  • Faith: Her unwavering trust in Jesus guided every step.
  • Service: She dedicated herself wholly to the destitute, offering comfort and care.
  • Simplicity: Living modestly, she showed that love needs not luxury.

1

Founding the Missionaries of Charity

 

Saint Mother Teresa established the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 in Calcutta. Through this congregation, she dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor, welcoming the abandoned and the dying with unconditional love and care. Her vision of a community that embraced every individual regardless of background was a beacon of hope and compassion, transforming the lives of thousands around the world.

  • Empathy in Action: She created a space where the most marginalized could feel seen and valued.
  • International Impact: The order expanded globally, embracing diverse cultures and continuing her mission in every corner of the earth.
  • Sacred Service: The work of the Missionaries of Charity accentuated the call of the Gospel to serve the "least of these."

 

A Mission of Love and Service

 

Her journey, full of sacrifice and joy even amid hardship, remains an inspiration for millions. Mother Teresa’s work taught us the beauty of small acts of kindness and the transformative power of sincere charity. Her legacy lives on in every heart that chooses to see and serve the least among us.

  • Inspiration: Her example continues to inspire acts of selfless love.
  • Legacy: Through the Missionaries of Charity, her spirit endures, nurturing hope and healing.

2

Advocacy for the Poor and the Sick

 

Mother Teresa’s life was a testament to the teaching of Christ. She tirelessly advocated for those who were often forgotten, caring not only for their physical needs but also offering spiritual comfort. Her compassion bridged the gap between the rich and the poor, inviting the entire Church to extend its mission of charity to every human being.

  • Unwavering Love: Her gentle spirit and kindness reached into the hearts of people who had lost hope.
  • Healthcare and Comfort: She established homes and hospices where the sick and the destitute received both care and dignity.
  • Voice for the Voiceless: Through her actions, she highlighted the social injustice faced by the impoverished, urging society to act with charity and justice.
  • Call to Service: She believed that every face in the slum was Christ, leading her to serve selflessly.
  • 3

    Exemplary Life of Humility and Compassion

     

    Saint Mother Teresa lived a life that was deeply rooted in humility. She embraced suffering and poverty, identifying with the poor in their struggles and inviting others to follow Christ’s example of selfless love. Her life continues to inspire countless believers and non-believers alike to commit acts of kindness and mercy.

    • Simplicity: Her choice of a humble lifestyle reminded the Church that true greatness is found in loving service.
    • Inspiration Across Borders: Her example has ignited movements in various continents, motivating many to pursue lives of meaningful service.
    • Constant Prayer and Faith: Her reliance on prayer and trust in God provided spiritual strength not only for herself but also for those who followed in her path.
  • Missionaries of Charity: In 1950, she founded this humble congregation dedicated to tending the sick, orphaned, and dying.
  • The Sainthood of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

    From humble beginnings to global compassion, trace Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta's inspiring journey of selfless love and service.

    The Calling to Serve the Poor

    Mother Teresa felt a profound call from God to serve those who were most abandoned. In the heart of Calcutta, she observed the suffering of the poor and sick. This stirring led her to leave behind a comfortable life and work tirelessly among the destitute, setting her life on a holy path of compassion and charity.

    The Founding of the Missionaries of Charity

    In 1950, Mother Teresa established the Missionaries of Charity. This congregation was dedicated to serving the "poorest of the poor" by providing food, shelter, medical care, and love to those in need. Her vision created an organization that expanded globally, demonstrating the power of selfless service in the light of God’s love.

    Beatification: Recognition of a Holy Life

    After decades of serving with unwavering faith, Mother Teresa's life of virtue and miracles was officially recognized by the Church. In 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified her. This event highlighted her deep commitment to charity and her ability to inspire millions with her humble and loving spirit.

    Canonization: Declaring a Saint

    On September 4, 2016, Mother Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis. The canonization celebrated her extraordinary life of giving and her impact on the world. This solemn recognition confirmed that her work and spirit continue to guide the faithful toward a life of compassion, prayer, and service to one another.

    Words of Wisdom

    "

    Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.

    "

    Saint Mother Teresa – A Reflection of Her Humble Devotion

    Sharing her belief that every act of kindness, no matter how simple, is full of divine significance.

    "

    Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.

    "

    Saint Mother Teresa – A Gentle Reminder of Fellowship

    Encouraging us to greet every soul with warmth, as a smile is the doorway to heartfelt compassion.

    "

    The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.

    "

    Saint Mother Teresa – A Profound Insight on Spiritual Nourishment

    Calling us to recognize that while physical needs are met with provision, the deep yearning for love requires our tender care and devotion.

    "

    If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.

    "

    Saint Mother Teresa – A Call to Individual Compassion

    Urging us to offer our fullest care to even a single person, for every small act of kindness holds immense value in the eyes of God.

    "

    Intense love does not measure, it multiplies.

    "

    Saint Mother Teresa – An Affirmation of Endless Grace

    Reminding us that when we pour out our love selflessly, it grows beyond measure, touching and transforming many lives.