Mother Teresa Biography: Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, is one of the most revered humanitarians in modern history. Her dedication to helping the poorest of the poor in the streets of Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, earned her worldwide recognition and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Known for her simple but profound work, Mother Teresa’s life story continues to inspire millions of people around the globe. In this biography, we’ll dive deep into her early life, career, personal struggles, and achievements, as well as her impact on the world. We’ll also explore her net worth, legacy, and the lessons we can learn from her extraordinary life.
Mother Teresa Biography
Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, a city that was part of the Ottoman Empire at the time of her birth and is now located in North Macedonia. She was named Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. Born to Albanian parents, Nikollë Bojaxhiu and Dranafile Bojaxhiu, Mother Teresa grew up in a deeply religious household. Her father, a merchant and political activist, died when she was just eight years old, leaving the family in financial difficulties. However, her mother remained a strong, spiritual influence in her life, raising her with a deep sense of compassion and devotion to helping others.
From a young age, Anjezë was driven by a profound sense of calling to religious life. Her strong Catholic faith, combined with a desire to help others, guided her towards becoming a nun. At 18 years old, she left her family in Skopje to join the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish-based missionary order that would soon send her to India to begin her work.
Mother Teresa’s decision to become a nun and devote herself to a life of poverty, chastity, and service to the poor was deeply rooted in the teachings of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a French Carmelite nun who inspired her deeply. It was this profound spiritual calling that ultimately led her to Calcutta in 1929, where she would spend the majority of her life helping the poor.
Mother Teresa’s Real Name, Age, and Occupation
Mother Teresa’s real name was Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, but she became widely known by her religious name Teresa after joining the Sisters of Loreto. Her vocation drove her life’s mission to serve God through the service of others. As of 2025, had she still been alive, Mother Teresa would be 115 years old. Unfortunately, she passed away on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87. Her legacy, however, continues to influence millions of people today.
Mother Teresa’s occupation was that of a Catholic nun and a missionary, with a primary focus on humanitarian work. She is most famous for founding the Missionaries of Charity, an organization dedicated to helping the most destitute people, especially in Calcutta. Her work also took her across the globe, where she served the poor, sick, and dying in hospitals, orphanages, and homeless shelters.
Mother Teresa’s Religious Life and the Birth of the Missionaries of Charity
After arriving in India in 1929, Mother Teresa began her work as a teacher at a local school for girls in Calcutta. It wasn’t long before she realized that her calling was not just to teach, but to work directly with the poorest people in society. In 1948, she received permission from the Vatican to leave her teaching role and begin her work among the slums of Calcutta. It was during this time that she adopted the name Teresa, in honor of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
Mother Teresa’s decision to work in the slums was groundbreaking. She believed in meeting people where they were, serving the poor, sick, and abandoned without discrimination. She wore a simple white sari with blue borders, a symbol of her devotion to humility and poverty.
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a congregation that would grow to include thousands of sisters and volunteers worldwide. The mission was clear: to serve “the poorest of the poor.” This congregation would go on to establish hospices, orphanages, and homes for the dying in India and later around the world. The Missionaries of Charity’s work remains a significant part of her enduring legacy.
Mother Teresa’s work in the slums of Calcutta became a model for many humanitarian organizations, and her style of service – one that focused on humility, compassion, and love – became the gold standard for compassionate care for the poor.
Nobel Peace Prize and Recognition
In 1979, Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize for her selfless work in alleviating poverty and distress. The Nobel committee described her as someone who had brought “the light of hope” to people in the most desperate situations. Despite the recognition, Mother Teresa remained humble, stating that she would prefer the honor to be used to further the work of the Missionaries of Charity.
The Nobel Peace Prize was not the only award she received. She also earned numerous honors throughout her life, including the Padma Shri (India’s highest civilian award) in 1962 and the Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian honor) in 1980. However, despite these accolades, Mother Teresa never sought fame or fortune. Her focus remained firmly on the people she served.
Mother Teresa’s Personal Life, Relationships, and Spouse
Mother Teresa is well-known for never marrying or having children. She took a vow of chastity, poverty, and obedience, dedicating her life entirely to service and God. She often referred to the poor and sick people she served as her “family,” and her love for them was unconditional.
Mother Teresa never had a spouse, but her life was deeply entwined with the people she helped. She once said, “I have found the poor to be great teachers. I have learned so much from them. I have learned to see Jesus in them.”
Her intense focus on God, her calling, and the poor meant that her relationships were always secondary to her work. Yet, through her life, she formed deep emotional bonds with those she served and those who worked alongside her.
Health Challenges and Later Years
In her later years, Mother Teresa’s health began to decline. She suffered from heart problems, pneumonia, and was diagnosed with heart failure. Despite these health setbacks, she continued to work tirelessly until her health required her to step down from her position as head of the Missionaries of Charity in 1997.
On September 5, 1997, Mother Teresa passed away in Calcutta, India, at the age of 87. Her death was mourned globally, and tributes poured in from across the world. People from all walks of life, including heads of state and religious leaders, recognized her for her life’s work and the difference she made in the world.
Mother Teresa’s Net Worth and Financial Legacy
Mother Teresa’s net worth was not something she focused on during her life. She lived a life of extreme poverty, dedicating all the money she received from donations, awards, and recognitions to the Missionaries of Charity and its projects. At the time of her death, it is estimated that Mother Teresa did not have significant personal wealth. Instead, she left behind a multi-billion-dollar organization, with her Missionaries of Charity continuing to serve people across the world.
Mother Teresa’s financial legacy is in the work she left behind. The Missionaries of Charity operates in over 130 countries, running hospitals, orphanages, schools, and homes for the dying. Her life serves as a reminder that wealth does not come from material possessions, but from the love and service you give to others.
Mother Teresa’s Age in 2025
As of 2025, Mother Teresa would have been 115 years old had she been alive. While she passed away in 1997, her legacy continues to thrive, both through the Missionaries of Charity and through the many lives she touched during her lifetime. Her life is a powerful reminder that we can all make a difference by living with love, humility, and compassion.
Mother Teresa’s Canonization and Lasting Legacy
In 2003, Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II, and in 2016, she was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis. Her canonization came after two miracles were attributed to her intercession, marking her recognition as a saint in the Catholic Church. Mother Teresa’s Feast Day is celebrated on September 5, the anniversary of her death.
Today, Mother Teresa is remembered as one of the most influential figures in modern history. Her work has inspired countless individuals and organizations to devote themselves to service and to live with compassion. The Missionaries of Charity, which she founded, continues to expand its work globally, helping millions of people in need.
Conclusion
Mother Teresa’s life was a true testament to selflessness, humility, and unconditional love. Her work with the poor, sick, and dying continues to inspire people of all faiths to help those in need. Through her example, she taught us that compassion and love are the greatest tools we have to make the world a better place.
Call to Action:
What lessons have you learned from Mother Teresa’s life? How can you apply her values of love, service, and compassion in your own life? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s honor the legacy of a true humanitarian.
