Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, felt the profound call of God on her life at the tender age of twelve. This early spiritual awakening set her on a path of unwavering faith and service. By the time she was eighteen, she had decided to dedicate her life entirely to God, leaving her home in Skopje to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland. There, she took her vows three years later, officially becoming a nun and adopting the name we now associate with selfless compassion.

Mother Teresa was deeply convinced that she was set apart for a divine purpose. Her mission became clear when she felt another call, what she referred to as the “call within a call,” which urged her to serve the poorest of the poor. In 1948, she left the comforts of her convent life and ventured into the slums of Calcutta (now Kolkata), India. There, she began her missionary work, ministering to the sick, hungry, and destitute. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an organization devoted to serving “the unwanted, the unloved, and the uncared for.” Under her guidance, the order grew to encompass thousands of members and expanded its work to over 130 countries.

For decades, Mother Teresa was a beacon of hope for those in desperate need, caring for the dying, establishing orphanages, and advocating for the dignity of every human life. Her dedication was not without challenges, as she faced criticism, illness, and the grueling demands of her work. Despite this, her faith and commitment never wavered. She became an international symbol of love and humility, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

In March 1997, due to declining health, Mother Teresa stepped down as the head of the Missionaries of Charity. She passed away just a few months later, in September 1997. Her legacy of compassion and service endures, inspiring millions to act with love and selflessness in their own lives.