Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa (1910–1997), born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire (now in Macedonia), was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary renowned for her lifelong commitment to serving the poor, sick, and marginalized. At the age of 18, she left her home in Albania to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and later moved to India, where she devoted herself to the poor in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). Her work in the slums of Kolkata, where she cared for the most destitute, earned her worldwide recognition.

In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation focused on serving the most vulnerable members of society. The organization quickly grew, with thousands of nuns joining her in her mission to care for "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the sick, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, and uncared for throughout society." Her ministry extended beyond India to many countries around the world, offering care to those who were often forgotten by society.

Her life was a testament to selfless service and deep compassion. She was often seen as a symbol of love and mercy, and her unyielding commitment to the poorest of the poor earned her numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Despite her fame, she always remained humble, emphasizing that her work was a way of expressing God's love for all people.

Mother Teresa's legacy of unconditional love, selfless service, and profound faith continues to inspire millions. Her life stands as a reminder of the transformative power of kindness and compassion, and her example encourages people around the world to care for the least among us.