Mother Teresa, or Saint Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, now part of North Macedonia, was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary renowned for her humanitarian work. At 18, she left home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, adopting the name Teresa in honor of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. She moved to India in 1929, where she taught at a school in Calcutta.
In 1948, feeling a calling to serve the poorest of the poor, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, an organization dedicated to caring for the sick, the dying, and the destitute. Her unwavering commitment to the marginalized and her hands-on approach earned her global recognition, leading to numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Mother Teresa became a symbol of compassion, humility, and selfless service, dedicating her life to alleviating suffering. She was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2016, affirming her legacy as one of the 20th century’s most influential figures.
Her enduring impact is felt worldwide, inspiring countless individuals to engage in acts of kindness and service. Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, leaving behind a powerful legacy of love and compassion.
