The Life Of Mother Teresa (The Saint Of The Gutters)

Summary

Mother Teresa, known as the Saint of the Gutters, dedicated her life to serving the poorest and most destitute, especially in Calcutta, India. Born in 1910 in Skopje, she joined the Sisters of Loreto at 18, becoming a nun and later a teacher. Her second calling in 1946 led her to found the Missionaries of Charity, where she cared for the sick and dying with dignity. Despite facing personal struggles, including health issues and spiritual darkness, her selfless love earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Mother Teresa’s legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide through her compassion and unwavering faith.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mother Teresa, known as the Saint of the Gutters, dedicated her life to serving the poor and destitute, beginning her mission at a young age.
• 😀 Born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, her parents were devout Catholics, and she was baptized the day after her birth.
• 😀 At 18, Agnes left her family and home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she adopted the name Mary Teresa after Saint Teresa of Lisieux.
• 😀 After years of teaching, Mother Teresa felt a second calling from God in 1946 to serve the poorest and sickest in India, which led her to Calcutta in 1948.
• 😀 She founded the Missionaries of Charity, a congregation focused on helping the most marginalized people, and chose to wear a traditional white sari with a blue border as a sign of respect for Indian culture.
• 😀 Mother Teresa established various facilities, including homes for the dying and destitute, orphanages, nursing homes, and health clinics, serving millions of people in need.
• 😀 Despite the challenges of minimal funding and resources, Mother Teresa and her fellow nuns continued their work, relying on donations and often begging for funds.
• 😀 She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her selfless service, though she refused the banquet and donated the prize money to the poor.
• 😀 Mother Teresa was a staunch defender of her beliefs, speaking out against issues like abortion, divorce, and contraception, even when it was unpopular.
• 😀 In the later years of her life, Mother Teresa experienced health struggles, including a heart attack and severe spiritual darkness, but she continued her work with unwavering faith and commitment.
• 😀 She passed away on September 5, 1997, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and service, inspiring millions to help those in need.

Q & A

Who was Mother Teresa, and what was her life’s mission?

Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was a Catholic nun and missionary known for her selfless work with the poorest and most destitute individuals. Her life’s mission was to serve the sick, the poor, and the unwanted, especially in Kolkata, India, where she founded the Missionaries of Charity.

What was Mother Teresa’s early life like?

Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia. Her parents were devoutly Catholic, and they raised her with a strong sense of compassion. Her father’s death when she was eight years old brought her closer to her mother, who taught her to share everything with others, including food.

What inspired Mother Teresa to become a nun?

At the age of 18, Agnes felt a deep calling to religious life and decided to become a nun. She left her home and moved to Ireland to join the Sisters of Loreto. There, she took the name Sister Mary Teresa, after Saint Teresa of Lisieux, who inspired her spiritual journey.

Why did Mother Teresa choose to move to Kolkata?

In 1948, Mother Teresa felt a second calling from God to serve the poorest and sickest people, particularly in Kolkata, India. She moved there to dedicate her life to helping the destitute, offering them care, dignity, and love.

What was the Missionaries of Charity, and what was its purpose?

The Missionaries of Charity was a religious order founded by Mother Teresa in 1950. Its mission was to serve the 'poorest of the poor,' offering aid to the destitute, the sick, the dying, and the forgotten members of society. The order expanded globally, with thousands of nuns and lay workers dedicated to this cause.

How did Mother Teresa sustain her charity work financially?

Mother Teresa and her nuns lived with minimal resources, often relying on donations from local and international supporters. They also often had to beg for funds to continue their work, but their devotion and the impact of their mission inspired many to contribute.

What were some of the key projects initiated by Mother Teresa?

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Mother Teresa established several key projects, including homes for the dying, orphanages, nursing homes, and mobile health clinics. These initiatives provided essential care and support to the poorest communities in Kolkata and beyond.

What recognition did Mother Teresa receive for her work?

Mother Teresa received numerous honors for her work, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Despite this, she remained humble and focused on her mission, requesting that the $192,000 prize money be given directly to the poor.

What personal struggles did Mother Teresa face during her life?

Mother Teresa struggled with poor health, including heart problems, and experienced a profound period of spiritual darkness that lasted for much of her life. Despite these challenges, she remained dedicated to her work and her faith, often describing her doubts as sharing in Christ's passion.

How did Mother Teresa’s views on controversial issues affect her?

Mother Teresa was known for expressing her views on issues such as divorce, contraception, and abortion. She strongly opposed abortion, calling it 'the greatest destroyer of peace.' Her views often led to criticism, but she remained steadfast in her beliefs, choosing to prioritize her spiritual values over popular opinion.