Mother Teresa of Calcutta, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910 in Skopje, now North Macedonia, is one of the most emblematic and beloved figures of the 20th century. Her name has become synonymous with compassion, dedication and love for the poorest. Her life was an example of service to others, to the most marginalized and to those in need.
Life and religious vocation
Raised in an Albanian Catholic family, Gonxhe showed a strong sense of religious devotion from an early age. At just 18, she left home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she took the name Sister Maria Teresa, in honor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Soon afterward, she was sent to Darjeeling, India, for her novitiate and began teaching at a Catholic school in Calcutta. In 1946, while traveling by train to Darjeeling, Sister Teresa felt what she described as a “call within a call.” She felt deeply that God was asking her to leave the convent and dedicate herself to serving the poor by living among them. This moment marked the beginning of her mission among the neediest in Calcutta.
The Foundation of the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, recognized in 1950 by the Archbishop of Calcutta and in 1965 by Paul VI. The order, which began with only a dozen members, grew rapidly and today has thousands of nuns throughout the world. The Missionaries of Charity are dedicated to caring for those whom no one else will help: the poor, the sick, the orphaned, and the dying. Mother Teresa and her nuns wore a simple white sari with a blue border, which became a symbol of their selfless service. Mother Teresa's work reached far beyond the confines of Calcutta. Her work expanded to numerous countries, establishing hospitals, homes for the sick, leper colonies, and orphanages around the world. She continued to work tirelessly until her death on September 5, 1997. Even after her death, her legacy lives on through the work of the Missionaries of Charity, who continue to operate in over 130 countries.
Awards
Mother Teresa received numerous international recognitions for her work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Her global impact is undeniable, and millions around the world continue to see her as a model of altruism and faith. In 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified her, and on September 4, 2016, Pope Francis canonized her as a saint. She remains one of the most iconic and influential figures of our time, a living example of how love and compassion can change the world. Today, she remains a universal symbol of hope and love. Her life and work are a powerful reminder of human dignity and the need to reach out to those in need.
Iconography
The iconography of Mother Teresa of Calcutta is rich in symbols and images that reflect her dedication to charity, humility and service to the poor. Some of the most recurring elements include:
White Sari with Blue Border : Her signature dress is a simple white sari with a blue border. This dress, adopted by the Missionaries of Charity, has become a universal symbol of her commitment to the poor and marginalized. White symbolizes purity and peace, while blue represents faith and loyalty.
Hands clasped in prayer : The prayer posture is another common iconographic theme, reflecting his life of intense spirituality and his reliance on prayer as a source of strength and guidance.
Serious but seraphic face : Mother Teresa is often depicted with a serene and compassionate expression, sometimes with a slight smile, which expresses her kindness and her ability to find joy even in the most difficult situations.
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