Mother Teresa’s Greatest Achievements
Quick Facts about Mother Teresa Name at baptism: Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu Date of birth: August 26, 1910 Place of birth: Skopje, North Macedonia (formerly part of the Ottoman Empire) Died:...
Category: Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary known for her charitable work and dedication to the poor, particularly in India.
These FAQs explore the life and major work of the Catholic nun:
When and where was Mother Teresa born?
She was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which is now the capital of North Macedonia.
How did Mother Teresa come to work in India?
After joining the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns with missions in India, she was sent to Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1929, where she taught at St. Mary’s School for girls. She later felt a calling to serve the poor outside the convent and started her mission in the slums of Calcutta in 1948.
What is the Missionaries of Charity?
Founded by Mother Teresa in 1950, the Missionaries of Charity is a Roman Catholic religious congregation dedicated to helping the poorest of the poor. They have since established centers worldwide.
What awards did Mother Teresa receive for her work?
Among many accolades, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work.
When did Mother Teresa die?
Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, in Kolkata, India.
Has Mother Teresa been canonized as a saint?
Yes, Mother Teresa was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016.
Were there any controversies associated with Mother Teresa?
While Mother Teresa was widely revered, she was also a subject of criticism. Some critics questioned the management of her homes, the quality of medical care provided, and her stance on issues like contraception and abortion.
How did Mother Teresa respond to the acclaim she received?
Mother Teresa often stated that she was merely a vessel of God’s will and that her work was not her own but God’s. She used her global recognition as a platform to draw attention to the needs of the impoverished and suffering.
What is Mother Teresa’s legacy?
Mother Teresa’s legacy is seen in the continuing work of the Missionaries of Charity, the widespread acknowledgment of the importance of charity, compassion, and the dignity of every human being. Her life and work have inspired countless individuals to engage in charitable and humanitarian causes.
Did Mother Teresa perform miracles?
The Catholic Church attributes two miracles to Mother Teresa’s intercession, which were the basis for her canonization. One involved the healing of an Indian woman’s abdominal tumor, and the other was the healing of a Brazilian man with brain abscesses.
