Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to serving the poor, sick, and dying. She was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Kosovo, in 1910, and at the age of 18 she joined the Sisters of Loreto, a Catholic religious institute, and took the name Sister Mary Teresa. She was sent to India, where she spent the rest of her life working among the poorest of the poor in Calcutta.
Mother Teresa's selfless and compassionate service to those in need earned her widespread admiration and respect, and she became an international symbol of humanitarianism and compassion. She was awarded numerous accolades for her work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. In 1980, she was also awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, for her humanitarian work in the country.
Mother Teresa's ministry to the poor and suffering began in Calcutta, where she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious order dedicated to serving the poor, sick, and dying. She and her fellow nuns, who were known as the "Blue Sisters" due to their distinctive blue-trimmed saris, worked tirelessly to provide medical care, food, and shelter to those in need. They also ran orphanages, homes for the elderly, and schools for children, and they worked to combat social issues such as illiteracy and disease.
Mother Teresa's work was not without controversy, however. Some critics accused her of promoting the Catholic faith at the expense of providing secular aid, and others questioned the financial transparency of the Missionaries of Charity. Despite these criticisms, Mother Teresa remained unwavering in her dedication to serving the poor and suffering, and she continued to inspire others to do the same through her tireless work and her example of selflessness and compassion.
Mother Teresa's impact on the world was profound, and her legacy continues to inspire people all over the world to serve those in need. She was a true beacon of hope and love in a world often marked by poverty, suffering, and injustice, and her work will continue to be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
