The Founding of the Missionaries of Charity

Name: The Founding of the Missionaries of Charity
Start: 1910-10-26
Location: Unspecified

Mother Teresa and the Birth of the Missionaries of Charity

The Visionary Leader: Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa, born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, displayed an extraordinary commitment to helping the poor from a young age. In 1950, she established the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, with a mission to care for the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, and forsaken by society, and the elderly and sick who are shunned by everyone. Her selfless dedication earned her international admiration and respect.

The Foundation Laid

In October 1950, with the approval of the Vatican, Mother Teresa officially founded the Missionaries of Charity as a Roman Catholic religious congregation. It began with just 13 members and is focused on serving the poorest of the poor, striving to alleviate suffering through acts of charity. The organization quickly grew, and its reach extended beyond India, eventually operating in over 130 countries.

Impact and Growth of the Missionaries of Charity

Expanding the Outreach

Following its establishment, the Missionaries of Charity began to set up homes and centers for the needy across Calcutta. The first established center was the Kalighat Home for the Dying, where those who were abandoned could receive love and care in their final moments. This model of compassion and care set the tone for the organization’s extensive humanitarian work around the globe.

International Recognition

Over the years, the Missionaries of Charity became well-known for their work. Through Mother Teresa’s efforts, the organization not only provided immediate aid but also brought global attention to poverty, deprivation, and social injustice. Her efforts were recognized through numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, which further highlighted the importance of humanitarian work.

Fun Fact

Mother Teresa's Inspiring Legacy

Mother Teresa, whose canonization took place in 2016, is often remembered not just for her humanitarian work but also for her poignant quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” This motto encapsulates the spirit of the Missionaries of Charity.