Life and achievements
Early life
Mother Teresa was born in Skopje on August 26, 1910. She grew up in a good family, and from a young age, she had values of compassion. As a young girl, she had compassion for beggars and the sick, which drove her to become a nurse. This calling persisted in her childhood and determined her further occupation.
At 18, she joined the Sisters of Our Lady of Loreto in Dublin and became a nun and a teacher to children. But she was to discover that she could not make any significant attempt to assist the poor and the oppressed. Therefore, she decided to quit the convent and go to the streets to be with people with low incomes in Calcutta. She established the Missionaries of Charity, an organization focused on serving the poor, the sick, and the homeless. Her compassionate actions and love for others made her a well-loved person globally.
Legacy
Mother Teresa was incredibly kind and caring to everyone she encountered. Throughout her life, she focused on improving the lives of the most disadvantaged, treating them with love and dignity. When she and her Missionaries of Charity fed people experiencing homelessness, they provided for physical needs and gave hope to those with little reason to have any. Her love and compassion have inspired many worldwide to treat others kindly, especially those in need and suffering.
Her kindness extended far beyond her immediate surroundings, touching people of all races and religions across the globe. The Missionaries of Charity, the group she founded, continues to assist people in over 130 countries, demonstrating that her message of love transcends time and space.
The lessons she imparted teach us not to be limited by our backgrounds but to be kind to others. Although she is no longer with us, her compassionate spirit lives on as we pay homage to Mother Teresa's type soul. Her message to people worldwide is to think of others and help those in need, whether through grand gestures or small acts of kindness. Her life reminds us that love triumphs over hate and that the world becomes better when we are kind to one another.
Some Important Lessons from the Life of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa taught us the importance of helping and caring for our neighbours. Here are some simple yet profound lessons we can learn from her:
Be Kind to Everyone: Mother Teresa treated everyone she helped with the same compassion, regardless of their identity. Even when it's challenging, we should strive to be friendly to all people.
Even Small Things Can Help: She emphasized that simple acts like smiling or greeting someone can brighten their day.
Help Others Without Expecting Anything in Return: Like Mother Teresa, we should help others because it's the right thing to do, not for any reward.
It's Okay to Be Simple: Mother Teresa led a simple life despite being a public figure. She taught us that happiness doesn't come from material possessions.
Giving Brings Happiness: She showed that being charitable and kind brings joy. We learn the value of giving as a means of experiencing happiness.
Stand Up for What's Right: Mother Teresa stood up for the oppressed. We should learn to recognise right from wrong and have the courage to act.
Keep Trying, Even When It's Tough: Mother Teresa never gave up despite facing many hardships. We should persevere in our efforts to achieve our goals.
The world would undoubtedly be happier if we lived by these simple lessons.
Acts of Compassion
Countless acts of compassion marked Mother Teresa's life. Here are just a few examples:
Caring for the Dying: One of Mother Teresa's most famous acts was her care for the Dying in Kolkata, India. She established the Missionaries of Charity Home for the Dying, providing a clean, loving environment for the terminally ill to spend their final days.
Feeding the Hungry: Concerned by the hunger in poverty-stricken areas, Mother Teresa opened soup kitchens and distribution centres in Kolkata to nourish needy people.
Sheltering the Homeless: She also established shelters for the homeless and needy, providing them with food, warmth, and protection from abuse.
Caring for Orphans and Abandoned Children: The Missionaries of Charity focused on the welfare of orphaned and abandoned children, offering them love, education, and hope for a brighter future.
Visiting the Sick and Disabled: Mother Teresa and her sisters visited hospitals, leprosy patients, and the disabled, offering prayers and comfort to those suffering.
Mother Teresa's kindness and compassion left a lasting impact on the world. Although she is no longer with us, her memory inspires people to be kind to one another and care for those in need.
Inspiring Quotes from Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was a beacon of light for many people. Her quotes continue to inspire us today. Here are a few that remind us to be better people:
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
We should strive to make others happy by showing them love and kindness.
"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."
We should take action to improve the world, even if we're not in a position of power.
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
Even a simple, kind word can have a lasting impact.
These quotes encourage us to be kinder and more compassionate and to make a positive difference in the world, one small act at a time.
Milestone moments
Oct 17, 1979
Nobel Peace Prize
In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition she truly deserved. It is one of the highest awards given to citizen who serve for peace and make a positive impact on the lives of the people.
Jan 25, 1980
Bharat Ratna
In 1980 India awarded her the Bharat Ratna which is their highest civilian honor. It is the largest reward any person or team in India could ever get.
Jun 20, 1985
The Presidential Medal of Freedom
After the war, in 1985 she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States. It is a good award for people to help many other individuals in one way or another
Jan 18, 1992
Order of the Smile
As for the academic and professional accomplishments, she was awarded the Order of the Smile in 1992. For some, it is a bright award for those who care for children and make them glad.