## Early Life and Spiritual Beginnings
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, who the world would later know as Mother Teresa, was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which is in modern-day North Macedonia. As the youngest child of her family, Agnes’ early life was marked by joy and a nurturing environment in a well-to-do household. However, at the tender age of eight, her father, Nikola Bojaxhiu, passed away, leaving the family in a precarious financial situation. This tragic event marked a significant turning point in young Agnes’ life. Raised in a devout Catholic environment, her religious formation was significantly influenced by the Jesuit parish of the Sacred Heart. It was here that Agnes became deeply involved in parish activities, laying the foundation for her spiritual journey.
## The Call to Serve
At the age of 18, Agnes made a life-changing decision. She joined the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Sisters of Loreto, in Ireland. Her journey took her far from home, yet she embraced this path with an adventurous spirit and a heart full of faith. In 1929, she traveled to India to begin her novitiate. Known as “Sister Teresa” after choosing the namesake of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, she embarked on a mission that would eventually change the world.
### Teaching in Calcutta
Sister Teresa spent nearly two decades teaching at the Loreto convent school in eastern Kolkata (Calcutta). It was during these years that she observed firsthand the devastating poverty surrounding the city. Her empathetic spirit was deeply touched by the struggles of those living in the slums, igniting a desire within her to dedicate her life to serving the poorest of the poor. Her observance of their conditions only strengthened her resolve and sense of purpose.
## Answering the Call Within a Call
At the heart of Mother Teresa’s journey was the “call within a call” that she experienced in 1946 while aboard a train to the Loreto Convent in Darjeeling. It was a call to leave behind the convent and serve the destitute while living amongst them. Renouncing her secure life, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an organization dedicated to aiding “the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone.”
### Core Values and Mission
The order’s mission revolved around four key vows:
This distinctive fourth vow set the Missionaries of Charity apart, as it committed them to absolute service to those most in need.
## Global Recognition and Nobel Peace Prize
Mother Teresa’s dedication did not go unnoticed. As her humanitarian empire grew, she received numerous accolades and honors, including the Noble Peace Prize in 1979. Her integral message was simple yet profound: “We realize that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” This humility and selflessness inspired countless individuals worldwide.
### Expanding Her Mission
Under Mother Teresa’s guidance, the Missionaries of Charity expanded globally, establishing homes and centers worldwide. Wherever there was suffering, Mother Teresa sought to bring relief, setting up orphanages, hospices, and homes for people suffering from AIDS and leprosy. Her tireless exertions embodied the spirit of unconditional love and altruism.
## Legacy and Canonization
Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, after a lifetime of serving humanity. Her belief in doing small things with great love left an indelible mark on human history. Following her death, the Vatican initiated her canonization process. She was canonized as St. Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016, in a ceremony attended by tens of thousands of people.
### **Controversy and Criticism**
While celebrated globally, Mother Teresa’s legacy is not without controversy. Critics have questioned the conditions in her homes and her stance on critical issues such as abortion and contraception. Nonetheless, her life’s work remains a testament to her irrevocable commitment to the marginalized of society.
## Conclusion
St. Teresa of Calcutta remains a beacon of compassion, self-sacrifice, and unwavering faith. Her life’s journey from a young girl in Skopje to an acclaimed global humanitarian serves as an enduring reminder of the power of love and service. As we commemorate her life on Friday, September 5, 2025, her teachings continue to inspire individuals across all walks of life to make a difference by serving one another with kindness and humility. This story of a humble nun who transformed the world underscores the truth that each act of kindness, no matter how small, can change the world for the better.