Early Life of Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu
The extraordinary woman who would later be recognized worldwide as Mother Teresa began her journey as **Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu**. Born on **August 26, 1910** in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire (today North Macedonia), young Agnes was the youngest child of **Nikola and Drane Bojaxhiu**. Her pivotal early steps in her faith were taken at a very young age, as she received her **First Communion** at the tender age of five and was confirmed in **November 1916**.
An early tragedy befell the family when Agnes was just eight years old; her father died, leaving the family in **financial straits**. Despite these hardships, Agnes’s spiritual life flourished thanks to her involvement in the vibrant **Jesuit parish of the Sacred Heart**. This nurturing environment laid the groundwork for her lifelong commitment to service and faith.
Young Gonxha: A Call to Faith and Service
In her teenage years, Agnes felt a calling that would define the rest of her life. Inspired by reports of missionaries in Bengal, India, and motivated by her deepening faith, she decided to follow the path of religious service. When she turned eighteen, she left her home and joined the **Sisters of Loreto** in Ireland. There, she took the name **Sister Mary Teresa** after St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
Journey to India
After completing her initial training in Dublin, Sister Mary Teresa began her novitiate in **Darjeeling, India**. In **1931**, she took her **first vows** as a nun. During her time in India, she witnessed the severe poverty and suffering of the people, which left an indelible mark on her soul. This experience would later drive her mission of service.
Living in Calcutta (now Kolkata), she taught at **St. Mary’s High School for Girls**. While she loved her work and the opportunity to provide education, she couldn’t ignore the dire conditions of the poor and sick outside the convent walls. In 1946, she experienced what she later described as the “call within a call” — a divine inspiration to leave her convent life and serve the poorest of the poor directly.
Becoming Mother Teresa
In **1948**, having obtained basic medical training, she ventured into the slums of Calcutta, adopting Indian citizenship and donning a humble white sari with a blue border — the iconic attire she would become known for. She began her work by caring for the hungry and sick, offering them solace and love. Her unwavering dedication soon drew the attention and support of other young women, who joined her in her mission.
This collective effort led to the establishment of the **Missionaries of Charity** in **1950**. The order’s primary mission was to care for “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 society and are shunned by everyone.” Under Mother Teresa’s leadership, the Missionaries of Charity expanded its reach globally, opening centers worldwide.
Recognitions and Challenges
Mother Teresa’s profound impact did not go unnoticed. She received numerous awards, including the **Nobel Peace Prize in 1979**. Despite these accolades, she faced criticism and challenges, including questions about the quality of care provided in her homes and her stance on certain controversial issues. Nevertheless, her relentless efforts and unwavering faith remained her defining qualities.
Legacy of Love
Mother Teresa’s work continued until her death on **September 5, 1997**. However, her legacy lives on through the Missionaries of Charity and the countless lives she touched during her lifetime. In **2003**, Pope John Paul II beatified her, bestowing upon her the title **”Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.”** She was **canonized as a saint by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016**, a testament to her lifelong devotion to the poorest of the poor.
Life Lessons from St. Teresa of Calcutta
Mother Teresa’s life offers numerous lessons:
- Unwavering Faith: She demonstrated that true faith can create immense impact, no matter the size of the individual.
- Compassion and Service: Her life was a testament to the power of compassion, especially for the most marginalized in society.
- Simplicity: She lived a life of simplicity, focusing on what truly matters — helping others.
- Endurance: Despite numerous challenges and criticisms, she persevered, driven by her mission and faith.
Conclusion
St. Teresa of Calcutta’s journey from **Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje** to a globally revered saint is a remarkable testament to the power of faith, compassion, and dedication. As we commemorate her feast day on **Thursday, September 05, 2024**, let her legacy inspire us to seek ways to serve others selflessly and with unwavering love. Through her example, we are reminded that even in the humblest of actions, great love can be found and profound change can be seeded.