Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910, was a Catholic nun and missionary known for her lifelong dedication to serving the poorest of the poor. Through her order, the Missionaries of Charity, she brought hope, care, and dignity to those society often forgot—lepers, orphans, the dying, and the destitute. Her quiet yet powerful commitment to love in action made her one of the most admired and recognized humanitarian figures of the 20th century.
Mother Teresa’s quotes reflect her deep faith, humility, and unwavering belief in the power of small acts done with great love. Whether speaking about compassion, peace, or service, her words continue to inspire people across all faiths and walks of life. She believed in doing ordinary things with extraordinary love and that kindness, not wealth or fame, was the accurate measure of a life well lived. In a world often focused on material success, Mother Teresa’s voice remains a gentle yet firm reminder of simplicity, love, and compassion.
Early Life and Birth
Mother Teresa, known as the “Saint of the Gutters,” was born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which is now part of North Macedonia but was then part of the Ottoman Empire. She was baptized the day after her birth, on August 27, which she considered her actual birthday.
She was the youngest of three children in a devout Albanian Catholic family. Her father, Nikollë Bojaxhiu, was a successful businessman and a community politician, while her mother, Dranafile Bojaxhiu, was known for her charity and religious devotion. When her father died suddenly when she was just 8 years old, her mother raised the family alone, instilling in young Anjezë a deep sense of compassion, piety, and commitment to charity.
Education
Mother Teresa received her early education at a convent-run primary and secondary school in Skopje. She was a bright and active student with a deep interest in religion and missionary work. From an early age, she was inspired by stories of missionaries and longed to serve the poor and needy.
At the age of 18, she left her home to join the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns with missions in India. She first traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to begin her religious training and learn English— the language she would need for her missionary work. Later, she was sent to India, where she studied and trained in Darjeeling. She took her first religious vows in 1931, taking the name Teresa after St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries. In 1937, she took her final vows and officially became Mother Teresa.
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Profession and Missionary Work
Mother Teresa began her professional life as a teacher at St. Mary’s High School in Kolkata (then Calcutta), India. She taught geography and catechism and eventually became the school’s headmistress. During her years at the school, she was loved by her students for her kindness, devotion, and strong discipline.
However, in 1946, during a train ride to Darjeeling, she experienced what she called a “call within a call”—a divine inspiration urging her to leave the convent and serve the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta. With the Vatican’s permission, she left the Sisters of Loreto and ventured into the streets to care for the sick and dying. In 1948, she donned the now-iconic white sari with blue borders and started her new mission.
Founding of the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation dedicated to helping the “poorest of the poor.” The organization started with just 13 members, but under her leadership, it grew globally.
The Missionaries of Charity provided free service to the dying, lepers, orphans, and the homeless. They opened hospices, leprosy clinics, soup kitchens, and orphanages in India and eventually all over the world. By the time of her death, the Missionaries of Charity had over 4,000 sisters and operated in more than 130 countries.
Achievements and Success
Despite facing criticism at times for her methods and religious views, Mother Teresa’s achievements were monumental:
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1979: She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in helping suffering humanity. She refused the ceremonial banquet and asked that the $192,000 prize money be used to help people experiencing poverty.
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1962: Received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding.
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She also received numerous civilian honors, including India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1980.
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Countless other awards and honorary degrees were bestowed upon her throughout her life for her humanitarian work.
Personal Traits, Habits, and Lifestyle
Mother Teresa lived a simple, humble, and disciplined life:
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She woke up early, usually around 4:30 AM, and began her day with prayers and meditation.
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She followed a strict routine, which included mass, breakfast, work, prayer, and community service.
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She ate effortless meals, wore only her white sari and sandals, and never owned any personal luxury or possessions.
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She was known for her modesty, dedication, and intense spirituality. Despite her global fame, she remained down-to-earth and preferred to be among the poor and dying rather than in the limelight.
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She had a deep love for prayer, often spending hours in silent communion with God.
Favorite Things and Interests
Although she did not indulge in personal luxuries or hobbies, some things were very close to her heart:
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Favorite Prayer: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” (also known as the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi).
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Favorite Saints: She greatly admired. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Francis of Assisi, and Jesus Christ, whose llives hetried to emulate.
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Favorite Activity: Serving the poor and spending time in prayer and contemplation.
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Favorite Quote: One of her famous lines:
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
She believed that the greatest poverty was not hunger or homelessness but the lack of love and being unwanted.
Death and Legacy
Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997, in Kolkata, India, at the age of 87, after years of health problems including heart disease, pneumonia, and malaria. Her death was mourned globally. A state funeral was held in India, and she was buried at the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.
Her life and legacy continue to inspire millions around the world. In 2003, sope John Paul II beatified her and gave her the title “Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.” On September 4, 2016, Pope Francis canonized her as a saint, and she is now known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mother Teresa?
A Catholic nun and missionary known for her humanitarian work in India and beyond.
What is Mother Teresa’s most famous quote?
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
What values did she promote?
Compassion, humility, service, faith, and unconditional love.
Did she win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Yes, in 1979, for her work helping people experiencing poverty and suffering.
Where did she serve most of her life?
In Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, among the city’s poorest communities.
Was Mother Teresa canonized as a saint?
Yes, she was canonized by the Catholic Church in 2016.
What inspired her to help people experiencing poverty?
She described a divine calling as a “call within a call” to serve the most marginalized.
Are her quotes religious in nature?
While rooted in faith, her quotes often focus on universal values like love and kindness.
What did she say about peace?
“Peace begins with a smile.”
Why are her quotes still relevant?
They offer timeless guidance on compassion, selflessness, and human dignity.
Conclusion
Mother Teresa’s words are a powerful legacy of love, humility, and selfless service. Her quotes remind us that we don’t need wealth or fame to make a difference—just a caring heart and the courage to act with compassion. She saw the face of God in everyone she helped, and her teachings continue to inspire a world yearning for kindness. In the face of suffering, she offered hope. In times of despair, she brought light. Through her simple but profound insights, Mother Teresa taught that true greatness lies in love—especially when shown in the most minor acts.