Mother Teresa: Heart That Healed a Hurting World

Some lives leave behind footprints that never fade. They inspire, heal, and remind us of the strength found in kindness. On August 26, the world pauses to remember one such life – that of Mother Teresa. Born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje, her journey was not one of luxury or fame, but of quiet determination and extraordinary compassion. From a young girl in a modest Albanian household to a saint recognised across continents, her story speaks to the power of selfless service.

Early Life and Family Roots

Agnes grew up in a home where faith was woven into daily life. Her father, Nikola Bojaxhiu, was a businessman and a civic leader, while her mother, Dranafile, was known for her deep charity and strength of character. Tragedy came early when Agnes lost her father at the age of eight, leaving her mother to raise the family alone. Despite hardship, her childhood remained rich in community, devotion, and a growing sense of purpose.

By the time she was twelve, Agnes had already felt the pull towards a life dedicated to God and the poor.

A Calling Beyond Borders

At eighteen, carrying only her faith and courage, Agnes left home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Dublin. She chose the name Sister Mary Teresa, honouring Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Within months, she travelled further, arriving in Calcutta in 1929.

Her early years in India were spent teaching at St. Mary’s High School for Girls. For almost two decades, she educated children, yet the suffering she witnessed on the streets beyond the school gates began to trouble her deeply.

The “Call Within a Call”

In 1946, during a train journey to Darjeeling, Sister Teresa felt what she described as a “call within a call.” It was a moment that changed her life. She believed God wanted her to leave the convent and serve the most destitute – the hungry, the sick, and the dying.

Two years later, she stepped out in a simple white sari with a blue border and began teaching children in the slums of Calcutta. This humble beginning marked the start of a mission that would soon capture the world’s attention.

Founding the Missionaries of Charity

In 1950, with the approval of the Vatican, she founded the Missionaries of Charity. Their purpose was clear – to care for “the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, and all those who feel unwanted, unloved and uncared for.”

What began with a handful of sisters grew into an organisation spanning over 130 countries, running homes, clinics, and orphanages.

Recognition and Achievements

Mother Teresa’s work touched countless lives and earned her global recognition. The Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 brought her message of compassion to an even wider audience. She received many honours, including the Bharat Ratna in 1980, the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize, and the Order of Merit from Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Philosophy and Personal Life

Despite the fame, Mother Teresa lived simply. She owned little, often saying that her mission was not to end all poverty but to bring dignity to those whom the world had forgotten. She had no children of her own, but the orphans she held in her arms became her family.

At times, her methods and views were debated, but she remained committed to her calling – to love without conditions.

Final Years and Canonisation

In her later years, declining health forced her to step down as the head of the Missionaries of Charity in March 1997. She passed away on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87.

The world mourned her passing, yet her legacy continued. She was beatified in 2003 by Pope John Paul II and canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis in 2016.

A Legacy That Lives On

Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Her life was proof of that belief. From the streets of Skopje to the alleys of Calcutta, her story is not just one of faith, but of action, humility, and enduring hope.

As we remember her birth anniversary, we are reminded that compassion does not always begin with grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with a single step towards someone in need.