Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, Mother Teresa grew up in Macedonia, the youngest of three children. As a teenager, Agnes was an active participant in her local parish’s youth group, Sodality. Through her dedication and involvement in this group, she soon developed an interest in missions. At seventeen, she felt called to become a Catholic nun and to be a missionary. She joined the order of the Sisters of Loretto, known for their mission work in India, and took the name Sister Teresa after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Shortly after becoming the principal of St. Mary’s High School in Calcutta, Sister Teresa contracted tuberculosis and was sent to Darjeeling to recover. On her way, she experienced her second call, what she called “the call within the call.” She was told by God “to leave the convent and work with the poor, living among them. It was an order. [She] knew where [she] belonged but [she] did not know how to get there.”⁵

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Mother Teresa as a young woman

Sister Teresa’s response to this high calling was to request permission to leave her order, and in 1948 she moved to the slums of Calcutta to better understand and serve those around her. She established schools for the children of impoverished families. She learned basic medicine and entered the homes of the poor and suffering, treating their physical and emotional wounds. Some of her pupils joined in her efforts, and formed the group known as the Missionaries of Charity. They opened the first Home for the Dying, which opened its arms to men, women, and children who previously had been turned away by the local hospitals. Her efforts led to the world wide founding of charitable organizations and the establishment of safe-houses for those cast out by societies. Mother Teresa gained world wide recognition for her kind work and tireless efforts to bring world peace. Numerous humanitarian awards were bestowed on her, but she selflessly gave all the money to the poor of Calcutta and the furthering of her ministry. When asked how she funded her programs, she answered “by faith.” She had faith that God would provide her with the resources to take care of His people, and He did. Her works of mercy knew no bounds; her love knew no limits. When she passed away in 1997, French President Jacques Chirac said, "This evening, there is less love, less compassion, less light in the world. She leaves us a strong message, which has no borders and which goes beyond faith: helping, listening, solidarity."⁷

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Mother Teresa caring for an abandoned child and poor people on one of the Homes for the Dying

Not only did Mother Teresa devote her life to serving the despondent, but she completely integrated herself into the culture. She became an inhabitant of the Calcutta slums in order to fully understand the plight of the residents. I often think of going to Africa or Asia once I have my medical degree to set up a free clinic for a few weeks each year, but not once do I think to go and to stay permanently. Not once do I think to dedicate all of my being, my life, my materials possessions, and my time to help others around me. I saw myself having a life in my country with my family, working in a hospital, and volunteering at a local clinic. I never envisioned myself out of that temporary missionary role. I saw two separate lives: one with my family at home and one on missions with the needy. Helping others will be a significant part of my life. For Mother Teresa, serving others was her life. Actually dedicating myself to others would be difficult, yet, Mother Teresa did just that. She chose to leave the comfort

Some of the children I have cared for on a mission trip to Juarez

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and security of the convent and to place herself among the poor, the dying, and the unloved. Every penny she had went to clothe, feed, love and give hope to those who were lost in an abyss of shame, disease, and poverty.

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Some of the children I cared for on a mission trip to Juarez

Mother Teresa’s example has shown me that I must step out of my comfort zone and shed the role of the “helper” in order to truly serve those around me. If I keep distance between those I help and myself, I am not adding to their well being, but rather hindering it. By failing to cast off the labels so often placed on others, I continually remind those who are suffering of their pain, their supposed inferiority, and their helplessness. Instead, I want to bring the light of hope into the dark corners of the world. I want to make helping others my life. I want to follow in the large footsteps of Mother Teresa and make a difference in this world, one day at a time, one life at a time. I want to let people know they matter, one person at a time.

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Mother Theresa: Saint of the Gutters

Mother Teresa began life in humble surroundings. Her life ended as humbly as it began. Despite the fame and recognition she received, Mother Teresa never left her people. She lived among them and worked for their well being until she drew her last breath. She lived a selfless life, one that should be admired by all who strive to bring peace, love, and good health to the world.