Mother Teresa Saint Biography, height, weight, Age , wife, children and family and many more
Biography of Mother Teresa: The Saint of the Poor
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 marginalized. Known for her unwavering compassion and devotion to humanity, she remains an inspirational figure globally.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu MC -born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, Albanian
- Popular Name: Mother Teresa
- Birth Date: August 26, 1910
- Birthplace: Skopje, Ottoman Empire (modern-day North Macedonia)
- Death: September 5, 1997, Kolkata, India
- Height: Approximately 5 feet (152 cm)
- Weight: Around 50 kg (110 lbs)
Family Background
- Father: Nikollë Bojaxhiu (Businessman)
- Mother: Dranafile Bojaxhiu (Homemaker)
- Siblings: Aga (Sister) and Lazar (Brother)
Mother Teresa was deeply influenced by her mother, who instilled in her the importance of charity and devotion to God.
Personal Life
- Marital Status: Never married
- Children: None (devoted herself to serving others)
- Faith: Roman Catholic
Mother Teresa took her vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience as part of her religious commitment.
Early Life and Calling
Born into an Albanian family, Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu exhibited a deep sense of faith and compassion from a young age. At 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and later moved to India. In 1931, she took her first religious vows and adopted the name Teresa, inspired by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
In 1946, while traveling to Darjeeling, she experienced a "call within a call," which led her to leave the convent and serve the poorest of the poor in Kolkata.
Professional Life and Achievements
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Founded the Missionaries of Charity (1950):
Mother Teresa established this order to serve "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those who feel unwanted, unloved, and uncared for." -
Humanitarian Work:
Her organization ran orphanages, hospices, leprosy centers, and schools worldwide. The Missionaries of Charity grew to include over 4,500 sisters and was active in 133 countries. -
Global Recognition:
- Nobel Peace Prize (1979): For her efforts in combating poverty and distress.
- Padma Shri (1962): One of India’s highest civilian honors.
- Numerous other accolades, including the Bharat Ratna (1980), the highest civilian award in India.
Later Years and Canonization
Mother Teresa continued her mission despite declining health. She stepped down as head of the Missionaries of Charity in 1997, just months before her death. In 2003, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016.
Legacy
Mother Teresa’s work has inspired countless individuals to serve humanity selflessly. Her compassion and service left a lasting impact on the world, making her a symbol of love and charity.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Simple Lifestyle: Despite global recognition, she lived a life of extreme simplicity, owning only a few belongings, including a bucket for washing her clothes.
- Multilingual: She was fluent in Albanian, English, Hindi, and Bengali.
- Controversial Stances: Some critics questioned her stance on issues like contraception and abortion, but she remained unwavering in her beliefs.
- Personal Motto: Her guiding principle was: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
- Humble Beginning: She started her work in Kolkata with just five rupees.
Mother Teresa's life is a testament to the power of compassion, faith, and determination. Her mission to uplift the destitute continues to inspire humanity, reminding us of the importance of service and kindness.
Lesser-Known and Interesting Facts About Mother Teresa
Here are some additional fascinating and lesser-known facts about Mother Teresa that highlight her unique life and mission:
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Was an Aspiring Poet:
As a young girl, Mother Teresa expressed herself through poetry. Some of her early works reflected her deep love for nature and humanity. -
Had a Fondness for Music:
She loved music and often sang hymns in multiple languages. This passion helped her connect with people from various cultural backgrounds. -
Chose to Wear a Simple Sari:
The iconic white sari with blue borders, which became the uniform of the Missionaries of Charity, was inspired by the attire of poor women in Kolkata. It symbolized simplicity and humility. -
Encountered Political Resistance:
Mother Teresa’s efforts were not always welcomed. Her work faced criticism and resistance from political leaders in various countries who saw her as a promoter of Western religious ideals. -
First Hospice:
She opened her first hospice in a dilapidated building donated by the city of Kolkata. It provided care for people with terminal illnesses, emphasizing dignity in death. -
Passport Listed Her as a Nun:
Her Indian passport identified her occupation as "Nun" instead of "Missionary" or "Humanitarian," reflecting her devotion to religious service. -
Self-Taught Medical Skills:
Despite no formal medical training, she learned basic nursing skills to care for the sick and dying. -
Rescue Work During War:
During the 1982 Siege of Beirut, she negotiated a temporary ceasefire between Israeli and Palestinian forces to rescue 37 children trapped in a hospital. -
Unwavering During Health Issues:
Despite suffering from heart problems, malaria, and pneumonia, she continued her work tirelessly, often putting others’ needs above her health. -
Recognized Worldwide:
Besides the Nobel Peace Prize, she received over 120 prestigious awards and honors during her lifetime, including the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize and the Templeton Prize. -
Adopted Indian Citizenship:
Mother Teresa became an Indian citizen in 1948, showing her deep connection to the country where she spent most of her life serving the poor. -
Never Took a Day Off:
Mother Teresa was known for her relentless work ethic and dedication. She once said, "I cannot take a day off. Poor people don’t take a day off." -
Deeply Loved Children:
She started a children’s home called Shishu Bhavan in Kolkata, providing shelter, education, and medical care for orphans and abandoned children. -
Impact on Volunteerism:
Her mission inspired thousands of volunteers from around the globe, many of whom dedicated their lives to her cause. -
Secretly Helped Convicts:
Mother Teresa visited prisons and worked to rehabilitate prisoners by offering them hope and support. -
Advocated for the “Poorest of the Poor”:
Her work extended to those abandoned by society, including lepers, sex workers, and people with mental illnesses. -
Rejected Conventional Treatments for Herself:
Despite her declining health, she often avoided expensive medical treatments, believing the resources should go to those in greater need. -
Symbol of Unity:
Her funeral was attended by leaders from different religions and countries, showcasing her universal appeal and acceptance. -
Personal Correspondence with World Leaders:
Mother Teresa corresponded with world leaders, including the Pope, U.S. Presidents, and Indian Prime Ministers, but always maintained humility. -
Death Anniversary Coincided with Princess Diana’s Funeral:
Mother Teresa passed away just days after Princess Diana. The two women admired each other deeply and shared a commitment to humanitarian causes.
These lesser-known aspects of Mother Teresa's life reveal her depth of character, determination, and the profound impact she had on millions worldwide.
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