Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was a kind and caring woman who spent her life helping the poorest and sickest people in the world. She was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje (now in North Macedonia), and from a young age, she felt called to help others. Her big heart and strong faith inspired her to live a life full of love and service.
A Life of Helping Others
When she was 18, Mother Teresa joined a group of nuns called the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland. She later moved to India in 1929, where she taught at a school in Calcutta (now Kolkata). But one day, while walking through the city’s slums, she felt a special calling—a “call within a call.” She knew she had to do more to help the people who were suffering.
In 1948, she left the convent and began working directly with the poor, the sick, and the lonely. She wanted to give them love, care, and dignity, no matter who they were.
The Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa started the Missionaries of Charity, a group of nuns and volunteers dedicated to helping those in need. They opened homes, orphanages, and schools for people who had no one else to care for them. Her work spread all over the world, and she became famous for her kindness and dedication.
Awards and Recognition
Mother Teresa’s amazing work didn’t go unnoticed. She won many awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. When she accepted the prize, she said something simple but powerful: “Peace begins with a smile.” She believed that even small acts of love and kindness could make the world a better place.
A Humble and Loving Heart
Even though she became famous, Mother Teresa stayed humble. She always said, “I see God in every human being,” which meant she treated everyone with respect and love, no matter where they came from or what they were going through.
Her Legacy Lives On
Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, but her legacy of love and service continues to inspire people all over the world. In 2016, the Catholic Church made her a saint, calling her Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
Mother Teresa’s life teaches us that one person can make a huge difference. She showed us the importance of caring for others, especially those who are struggling. Her message of love, kindness, and helping those in need reminds us to be kind every day and to make the world a better place, one small act at a time. Through her actions, Mother Teresa left a lasting mark on the world, showing us that even the smallest acts of love can change lives. She will always be remembered as a hero of compassion and kindness.
