Experience the inspiring life of Mother Teresa as we delve into her captivating biography. Mother Teresa, a name that resonates with compassion and selflessness, was a renowned humanitarian and Nobel Peace Laureate.
Born on August 26th, 1910, in Skopje, a small town in what is now North Macedonia, Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving the poor and destitute. Despite facing numerous challenges, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, an organization that provided care and support to the less fortunate.
Mother Teresa’s unwavering commitment to helping others earned her worldwide recognition and admiration. Throughout her remarkable journey, she exemplified the true meaning of kindness, showcasing her profound love for humanity. Join us as we uncover the remarkable life of this extraordinary woman, touching hearts and inspiring change along the way.
Mother Teresa: Latest Information
Information | Details |
---|---|
Name | Mother Teresa |
Profession | Nun, missionary |
Height | 5’0″ (152 cm) |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye color | Blue |
Date of birth | August 26, 1910 |
Gender | Female |
Net worth | $0 (donated all earnings to charity) |
Age | 87 (at time of death) |
Nationality | Indian |
Religion | Catholicism |
House location | Kolkata, India |
Wiki page | Mother Teresa Wiki |
Nickname | Mother |
Hometown | Skopje, North Macedonia |
Ethnicity | Albanian |
Sexuality | Straight |
Sun sign (zodiac birth sign) | Virgo |
Physical Statistics
Information | Details |
---|---|
Eye Color | Brown |
Weight | 110 lbs |
Profession | Nun, Humanitarian |
Height (Tall) | 5’0″ |
Shoe Size (UK) | 6 |
Hair Color | Black |
Family
Information | Details |
---|---|
Parents | Dranafile Bojaxhiu, Nikola Bojaxhiu |
Siblings | Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu had an older brother named Lazar Bojaxhiu and an older sister named Age Bojaxhiu |
Mother Teresa: An Inspiring Life Dedicated to Service
Mother Teresa was a renowned humanitarian and Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. Her selfless actions and unwavering love for humanity made her an iconic figure, recognized worldwide for her charitable work. This article delves into the personal and professional details of Mother Teresa, shedding light on her height, weight, net worth, family, professional achievements, and more.
Mother Teresa: Early Life and Family
Mother Teresa, originally named Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire and is now the capital of North Macedonia. Her family was of Albanian ethnicity, and she was the youngest child of Nikola and Dranafile Bojaxhiu. Her father worked as a construction contractor, while her mother, who was deeply religious, instilled strong Catholic values in her.
At the tender age of 12, Mother Teresa first heard her calling to serve others. Inspired by the stories of missionaries, she decided to join the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns with missions in India. In 1928, she left her home and family to pursue her religious vocation, never to return to Skopje again.
Mother Teresa’s decision to devote her life to God and others caused her family much pain. However, they eventually came to accept and support her mission. Her family played a significant role in shaping her character and values, which became the foundation of her incredible humanitarian work.
Mother Teresa: Arrival in India and Early Years
Upon arriving in India in 1929, Mother Teresa joined the Sisters of Loreto in Darjeeling. After a brief period of training and mastering the English language, she took her first religious vows as a nun on May 24, 1931, and adopted the name, Sister Mary Teresa. She then moved to Calcutta (now Kolkata), where she began her work as a teacher at St. Mary’s High School.
Though teaching was her primary profession, Mother Teresa’s deep empathy for the suffering, particularly the destitute, led her to step outside the confines of the classroom. Kolkata was rife with poverty, and it was in the slums of this city that her true calling to help the poor was awakened.
In 1948, Mother Teresa received what she described as “the call within the call.” She felt an intense desire to work among the poorest of the poor, the “unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.” This marked the beginning of her lifelong commitment to helping the marginalized, and she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950.
Mother Teresa: Professional Achievements
Mother Teresa’s professional achievements are a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to humanity. Her legacy of service encompasses various accomplishments:
1. Founding the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa established the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata. Initially, the organization focused on providing medical aid and care to those in need. However, it soon expanded its scope to address other pressing issues such as education, poverty alleviation, and shelter for the homeless.
The Missionaries of Charity grew rapidly and gained recognition for its compassionate and tireless work. Today, it operates in over 130 countries and continues to serve the most vulnerable members of society.
2. Opening Homes for the Dying
Mother Teresa’s deep concern for the dying led her to establish “Nirmal Hriday” (Pure Heart), a home for the dying in Kolkata. This facility provided a dignified and compassionate space for individuals at the end stages of life, offering them comfort, support, and spiritual care.
The Homes for the Dying, known for their peaceful and loving atmosphere, became one of Mother Teresa’s most iconic contributions to society. They became a haven for those who had been abandoned and forgotten by society, providing them with solace in their final moments.
3. Initiating Leper Aid Centers
Understanding the stigma and the severe neglect faced by leprosy patients, Mother Teresa established multiple leper aid centers. These centers aimed to bring both medical and emotional support to individuals suffering from this debilitating disease.
Mother Teresa’s efforts helped break the social barriers around leprosy by advocating for compassionate treatment and raising awareness about the condition. Through her work, she alleviated the suffering experienced by countless leprosy patients, offering them love and acceptance.
4. Expanding Globally
As Mother Teresa’s reputation as a compassionate and devoted humanitarian grew, she received numerous requests to establish Missionaries of Charity centers worldwide. In response to these calls for help, she expanded her organization’s reach internationally, building homes, schools, and healthcare centers in various countries.
Mother Teresa’s dedication to extending aid beyond India’s borders exemplifies her commitment to serving all those in need, regardless of their nationality or background. Her work transcended geographic boundaries and touched the lives of millions worldwide.
5. Receiving International Recognition and Awards
Mother Teresa’s unwavering dedication and profound impact on society earned her international recognition and numerous prestigious awards. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to overcome poverty and distress. She humbly accepted the accolade on behalf of the poor, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their suffering.
In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa received countless other honors during her lifetime, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. She continued her work until her passing on September 5, 1997, leaving a lasting imprint on the world.
In summary, Mother Teresa’s height, weight, and net worth may not have been of significance in the context of her life’s work. However, the love, compassion, and selflessness she embodied made her one of the most revered figures of the 20th century. Mother Teresa’s dedication to serving the most vulnerable among us is a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the world. Her legacy continues to inspire and encourage people to embrace humanity and extend a helping hand to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mother Teresa
- Who is Mother Teresa?
- Mother Teresa was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary known for her humanitarian work, particularly with the Missionaries of Charity.
- Where was Mother Teresa born?
- Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire and is now the capital of North Macedonia.
- What was Mother Teresa’s real name?
- Mother Teresa’s birth name was Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu.
- When did Mother Teresa find the Missionaries of Charity?
- Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950.
- What did the Missionaries of Charity do?
- The organization focuses on helping those who are poor, sick, and dying, as well as running orphanages, schools, and hospices.
- Did Mother Teresa win a Nobel Peace Prize?
- Yes, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
- When was Mother Teresa canonized as a saint?
- Mother Teresa was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 2016.
- What is Mother Teresa known for?
- She is known for her selfless service to the needy and her deep religious convictions.
- Where did Mother Teresa do most of her work?
- Mother Teresa primarily worked in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India.
- Did Mother Teresa write any books?
- While she didn’t write books, her letters, speeches, and interviews have been compiled into various publications.
- How did Mother Teresa die?
- Mother Teresa died of heart failure on September 5, 1997.
- What awards did Mother Teresa receive?
- In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, she received numerous other awards, including the Templeton Prize and the Bharat Ratna.
- Was Mother Teresa ever criticized?
- Yes, she faced criticism for the quality of care in her hospices and her stance on certain social issues.
- What miracles are attributed to Mother Teresa?
- Two miracles related to healing were attributed to her, leading to her canonization.
- Did Mother Teresa have any siblings?
- Yes, Mother Teresa had an older sister and an older brother.
- What languages did Mother Teresa speak?
- Mother Teresa spoke several languages, including Albanian, English, Hindi, and Bengali.
- Did Mother Teresa ever visit the United States?
- Yes, Mother Teresa visited the United States multiple times and even established a Missionaries of Charity convent in the Bronx, New York.
- How did Mother Teresa fund her charitable work?
- Mother Teresa relied on donations and grants to fund her work.
- Did Mother Teresa meet any world leaders?
- Yes, Mother Teresa met with several world leaders, including U.S. presidents and British royalty.
- What was Mother Teresa’s view on abortion?
- Mother Teresa was a staunch pro-life advocate and spoke against abortion.
- Did Mother Teresa ever work in a hospital?
- Before founding the Missionaries of Charity, she worked as a teacher and later as the headmistress at a convent school.
- How many Missionaries of Charity centers are there worldwide?
- There are hundreds of Missionaries of Charity centers globally, continuing her legacy.
- What is Mother Teresa’s legacy?
- Her legacy is one of selfless service, compassion, and a commitment to social justice.
- Are there films or documentaries about Mother Teresa?
- Yes, several films and documentaries have been made about her life and work.
- How can one volunteer for the Missionaries of Charity?
- Those interested in volunteering can contact the Missionaries of Charity directly or visit one of their centers.