Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu
- Born:
- August 26, 1910, Skopje, Ottoman Empire (present-day North Macedonia)
- Died:
- September 5, 1997, Kolkata, India
- Nationality:
- Indian (originally Albanian-Yugoslav)
- Profession(s):
- Roman Catholic Religious Sister, Missionary, Humanitarian
Early Life and Education
- Born to Albanian parents in Skopje.
- Early exposure to charitable work and a strong religious upbringing.
- At age 18, left home to join the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns with missions in India.
- Received her initial religious training in Dublin, Ireland.
Career and Major Achievements
- 1931: Took her initial vows as a nun, choosing the name Mary Teresa after St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
- Taught at St. Mary's High School for Girls in Kolkata, India for nearly twenty years.
- 1948: Received permission from the Vatican to leave the Loreto convent and minister to the poor in Kolkata.
- 1950: Founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.
- The Missionaries of Charity expanded globally, establishing hospices, homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis, soup kitchens, children's and family counseling programs, orphanages, and schools.
- Dedicated herself to serving "the poorest of the poor".
- Many individuals chose to become a 'mother teresa mother house kolkata volunteer' at the many locations worldwide.
Notable Works
- Missionaries of Charity: A Roman Catholic religious congregation dedicated to helping the poor.
- Numerous books and articles documenting her philosophy and experiences.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize | 1962 |
| Nobel Peace Prize | 1979 |
| Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award) | 1980 |
Legacy and Impact
Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, known as Mother Teresa, left an indelible mark on the world through her unwavering dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of society. Her establishment of the Missionaries of Charity and her tireless work with the poor and sick inspired countless individuals to engage in acts of compassion and service. Canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Catholic Church in 2016, her life continues to be a testament to the power of selfless love and the importance of addressing poverty and suffering.