Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was born August 26, 1910 in what is today Skopje, Macedonia. At the age of 12, she began showing interest in the life of missionaries and felt that she was being called to a life of serving God. By the time she was 18 she had left home and joined the Sisters of Loreto, never to see her mother or sister again. Though based out of Ireland, the Sisters of Loreto had a mission in Calcutta, India, where Mother Teresa spent most of her life serving as a teacher and helping the poor. Upon taking her first vows as a nun in 1931, she chose the name Teresa after the patron saint of missionaries.

(http://www.ewtn.com/motherteresa/reflection.htm)

As a Roman Catholic nun, Teresa began her service by teaching girls at the St. Mary’s school in Calcutta where she eventually became principal. After nearly 20 years serving there, she felt a call from the Lord to minister to the sick and poor. She received permission to start the Missionaries of Charity almost 2 years later where she began serving “the unloved and unwanted”. From washing sores of the sick to feeding the hungry to working with lepers, she made the slums her home in order to make a difference for Christ. Her work continues on today as what started as an order with 13 members has expanded to over 4,000 nuns serving in various capacities. Today her legacy lives on not only in India, but also in places such as Venezuela, Tanzania, Rome, and Austria to name a few. People all around the world recognize and honor Mother Teresa for her contributions to humanity and for her servant’s heart.

In 1979 Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. People were constantly amazed with her ability to love, her gentle spirit and her calming presence. Her life was lived thirsting for God and serving them in His name. While politicians, faith leaders and those in power sought after her for interviews and guidance, her heart and presence was always with those most in need. Several years after her death, Pope John Paul II beatified her, giving her the capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray to her. As one step below a saint, she became known from then on as Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata (Calcutta).

Mother Teresa is a hero because she embodies what it means to be a servant leader. Her life is a testimony of faith and her actions showed Christ’s love to those who needed it most. To me, a hero is someone who does not seek fame or fortune, but rather lives a life of integrity and impacts people along the way. Mother Teresa is the epitome of generosity and selflessness, encouraging me to look more closely at the needs of those around me and to reach out to them in love.