Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu MC (Missionaries of Charity), known to the world as Mother Teresa, was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia.
From an early age, she devoted herself to helping others, and her selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to humanity earned her global admiration.
Her life’s work was marked by numerous accomplishments that have left an indelible impact on the world. In this article, we will delve into the top 7 major Mother Teresa accomplishments and shed light on the noble causes she fought for.
Join us as we honor the extraordinary life of Mother Teresa.
1. Founding the Missionaries of Charity
Mother Teresa is perhaps best known for the establishment of the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. With a humble beginning in Kolkata, India, this religious congregation expanded globally, becoming a beacon of hope for the poor, sick, and destitute. By 2016, the Missionaries of Charity had grown to 758 homes in 139 countries, providing vital assistance to those in need.
2. Opening Homes for the Dying
Recognizing the dire conditions faced by those nearing the end of their lives, Mother Teresa opened the first Home for the Dying, also known as Nirmal Hriday, in Kolkata. This facility offered a peaceful and caring environment for the terminally ill, ensuring they received love, dignity, and compassion in their final days.
3. Establishing Shanti Nagar
Mother Teresa was deeply concerned for the needs of the ill, particularly those battling leprosy. They not only endured a debilitating disease, but also the stigma the disease has carried throughout history.
The establishment of Shanti Nagar (City of Peace) was her response. Mother Teresa worked tirelessly to raise awareness of treatments for leprosy.
4. Opening Homes for Abandoned Children
Mother Teresa’s deep love for children led her to create homes for abandoned infants and children.
These homes provided shelter, nourishment, medical care, and a nurturing environment where each child received love and education โ ensuring they had a chance at a brighter future.
5. Initiating the Gift of Peace Hospice
In 1986, Mother Teresa opened the Gift of Peace AIDS Hospice in Washington, D.C. โ a facility that extended her compassionate care to the terminally ill in the United States.
The hospice offered comfort, dignity, and support to those facing the end of their lives as a result of AIDS and other diseases.
6. Promoting Interfaith Harmony
Mother Teresa believed in fostering unity among people of different faiths. She promoted interfaith dialogue and harmony, emphasizing that compassion transcends religious boundaries. Her efforts aimed to bridge divides and bring people together in the pursuit of peace and love.
7. Nobel Peace Prize & Global Recognition
In 1979, Mother Teresa’s tireless dedication to serving humanity earned her the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee honored her for her outstanding work in bringing hope, love, and dignity to the poorest of the poor. This recognition catapulted Mother Teresa onto the global stage, amplifying her message and inspiring countless individuals to join the cause of compassion.
What Did Mother Teresa Fight For?
Throughout her life, Mother Teresa fought tirelessly for several noble causes, which reflected her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable.
1. Alleviating Poverty
Mother Teresa firmly believed that poverty was not just the absence of material wealth but also a sense of loneliness and spiritual deprivation.
She fought poverty by offering immediate relief and implementing long-term solutions through education, health care, and empowering individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty.
2. Compassionate Care
Mother Teresa advocated for the rights and dignity of the sick, elderly, and dying. Through efforts such as the Gift of Peace AIDS Hospice in Washington, D.C., she worked to ensure all people were seen.
Her care extended beyond physical healing to providing emotional support, love, and respect for the marginalized or people forgotten by society.
3. Leprosy Awareness
Mother Teresa actively worked to eradicate the stigma surrounding leprosy, a disease that had left countless victims ostracized and isolated from friends and loved ones.
She aimed to create awareness, promote understanding, and provide compassionate care to those afflicted by a disease that resulted in pain and isolation.
4. Promoting Peace & Unity
Mother Teresa firmly believed in the power of peace and sought to foster harmony among people of different backgrounds and religions.
She actively encouraged dialogue, understanding, and cooperation as essential steps toward building a more peaceful and compassionate world.
Additional Mother Teresa Facts
Where Was Mother Teresa Born?
Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, which is now the capital of North Macedonia. At the time of her birth on August 26, 1910, Skopje was part of the Ottoman Empire.
Today, the city honors its connection to Mother Teresa, and her birthplace is considered a place of historical significance.
When Did Mother Teresa Die?
Mother Teresa, the beloved humanitarian and spiritual leader, passed away on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87 years old.
Mother Teresa died of natural causes. After years of dealing with heart health issues (she had her first heart attack in Rome in 1983 while visiting Pope John Paul II), she died of heart failure.
Mother Teresa worked tirelessly until the end of her life on behalf of the needs of the poor and suffering. This embodies her unwavering commitment to serving others. Her passing was a great loss to the world, but her inspiring legacy lives on.
What Awards Did Mother Teresa Win?
Mother Teresa received numerous awards and honors throughout her lifetime in recognition of her exceptional humanitarian work. Some of the notable awards she received include the following.
1. Bharat Ratna โ Mother Tersa was awarded the recognition of Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor in India, in 1980. This recognition was a testament to her immense contributions to humanity and her selfless service to the poor and needy. The Bharat Ratna is bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional achievements in various fields, including social work, arts, literature, and science.
2. Padma Shri (1962) โ Mother Teresa was awarded the Padma Shri in 1962 for her exceptional humanitarian work and selfless service to humanity. The honor acknowledged her immense efforts in caring for the poor, sick, and marginalized, as well as her contributions to society. The Padma Shri is a testament to her impact โ both within India and on a global scale.
3. Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971) โ This is an international award given to individuals or organizations that have made remarkable contributions to peace, justice, and human rights. Mother Teresa was a recipient of the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize in 1971, recognizing her efforts in promoting peace and social justice through her work with the Missionaries of Charity.
4. Nobel Peace Prize (1979) โ Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to serving the poorest of the poor and bringing hope to those in desperate need. The Nobel Committee acknowledged her compassion, selflessness, and efforts in alleviating human suffering.
5. Order of Merit (1983) โ Mother Teresa was awarded the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. This prestigious honor acknowledged her remarkable achievements and significant contributions to society.
6. Presidential Medal of Freedom (1985) โ The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States. Mother Teresa was bestowed this honor by President Ronald Reagan on June 20, 1985, in recognition of her profound impact on society through her selfless service and advocacy for the vulnerable.
These awards, among others, serve as a testament to Mother Teresa’s global recognition and the profound impact of her humanitarian work. They reflect the appreciation and admiration for her selfless dedication to the welfare of others.
Remembering Mother Teresa
Mother Teresaโs unwavering commitment to serving humanity, especially the poorest and most marginalized, has left an enduring legacy. Through the Missionaries of Charity and her various accomplishments, she touched the lives of countless individuals โ offering them love, compassion, and hope.
Mother Teresa’s major achievements, spanning much of the 20th century, continue to inspire generations. As just one example, her meeting with journalist Hal Donaldson in the late 1980s inspired Hal to dedicate his life to helping the poor and suffering.
Hal founded Convoy of Hope in 1994, an organization that now serves in more than 65 nations. From feeding children and empowering women to worldwide disaster response, Convoy of Hope is helping millions of people around the world every year.
