Mother Teresa, renowned for her devotion to the "poorest of the poor," created a legacy that spans continents through her Missionaries of Charity. From humble beginnings in Calcutta, her efforts have extended globally, supported by millions of volunteers. Recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, her life's work exemplifies selflessness and compassion.

Early Life and Calling

Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in a region of southern Yugoslavia, Agnes was raised in a culturally diverse environment with strong Albanian roots. Her parents, devout Roman Catholics, ensured she received a robust religious upbringing, instilling values that would guide her path. Agnes was a joyful child, actively engaged in her local parish and school choir, where she sang as a soprano. At age twelve, a profound sense of religious vocation emerged, leading her to contemplate a future dedicated to missionary work in India.

Despite her mother’s initial reservations, Agnes pursued her calling with determination. By eighteen, having decided to join the Loretto Sisters, she moved to Ireland to learn English, a requirement for her assignment in India. Embracing her new life with fervor, she adopted the name Teresa, inspired by St. Teresa of Lisieux. Arriving in India in 1929, she dedicated two decades to teaching geography at St. Mary’s High School, eventually serving as the institution's principal.

The "Call Within a Call"

On a train journey to Darjeeling in 1946, Sister Teresa experienced what she described as a "call within a call." This divine message urged her to leave the comforts of the convent to serve the destitute and dying. Following her heart, Teresa sought permission to depart from the Loretto Sisters, a decision that was both challenging and transformative. Released from her vows in 1948, she ventured into Calcutta's slums, armed with basic medical training and an unyielding resolve to help those in need.

Her mission began modestly, with a makeshift school in Moti Jheel, where she taught impoverished children to read and write using the barest of materials. Her dedication soon attracted others, including Subhasini Das, a former student, who joined her efforts. With each passing day, her group expanded, sustained by donations and the goodwill of the local community.

The Formation and Growth of the Missionaries of Charity

The establishment of the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 marked a significant milestone, with twelve members initially, under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Calcutta. Mother Teresa's order took vows that went beyond traditional poverty and chastity; they pledged to serve exclusively the poorest and most marginalized. The order's guiding principles emphasized cheerful service, practical intelligence, and unwavering faith.

Over time, the order expanded both in numbers and scope. In 1963, the Missionary Brothers of Charity was founded, and by the late 1960s, the International Association of Co-Workers of Mother Teresa was officially recognized, drawing volunteers worldwide. This growing network facilitated rapid expansion, allowing the missionaries to establish centers across India and eventually globally.

Global Expansion and Impact

While initially focused on India, the Missionaries of Charity soon spread their reach internationally. Venezuela was the first nation outside India to welcome them, followed by establishments in Rome and later, New York's South Bronx. The order's unique approach to poverty and illness, characterized by unconditional love and care, resonated across diverse cultures and societies.

Notably, Mother Teresa's initiatives in the United States addressed not just material poverty but also spiritual deprivation. In areas like Harlem and Greenwich Village, her work included creating hospices for AIDS patients, reflecting her commitment to care for all individuals irrespective of their backgrounds or ailments. By 1987, the missionaries had established twenty-one houses in...