On August 26, 2025, we mark the 115th Mother Teresa Anniversary, celebrating the birth of a woman whose life of selfless service transformed millions of lives. Born in 1910, Mother Teresa’s compassion flowed like a nurturing river, her resolve stood firm like a vast forest, and her faith soared like clouds inspiring hope worldwide.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Childhood in Skopje’s Embrace
Mother Teresa was born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, now the capital of North Macedonia. Skopje’s scenic beauty, with the Vardar River winding through it, lush forests on its outskirts, and clouds often cloaking the nearby Shar Mountains, shaped her early years. Raised in a devout Albanian Catholic family, she lived with her parents, Nikola and Dranafile, and siblings, Aga and Lazar. Her father was a merchant and local politician, while her mother instilled values of charity by inviting the poor to share meals at their home. These acts of kindness planted seeds of compassion in young Gonxhe, which would bloom throughout her life.
At age eight, tragedy struck when her father died suddenly in 1919, possibly due to political unrest. The family faced financial struggles, but Dranafile’s resilience kept them united. Gonxhe attended a church-run school and joined a Catholic youth group, where she heard stories of missionaries in India—a land of sacred rivers like the Ganges, dense forests, and vibrant cultures. By age 12, she felt a calling to serve God abroad. On August 15, 1928, at 18, she made the heart-wrenching decision to leave Skopje for Ireland to join the Sisters of Loreto, a missionary order. There, she learned English, a vital skill for her future work, and began her path toward the Mother Teresa Anniversary we honor today. Leaving home meant sacrificing contact with her mother and sister, as Albania’s political climate restricted travel.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Faith and Education in a Diverse City
Anjezë’s childhood was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. The family attended Sacred Heart Church, where she learned prayers and hymns that strengthened her spirituality. Skopje was a melting pot of Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Jews, exposing her to diverse traditions. At a church-run primary school, she studied reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion, excelling with a quiet determination. Her teachers noted her curiosity, often asking questions about the world beyond Skopje’s forests and rivers.
At age nine, Anjezë joined the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Catholic youth group that met at church. Here, she sang, prayed, and listened to Jesuit priests share letters from missionaries in Bengal, India. These stories painted vivid pictures of a distant land with sacred rivers like the Ganges, lush jungles, and people in need. Anjezë was captivated, imagining herself teaching children or caring for the sick in such places. These tales, shared under Skopje’s cloudy skies, ignited her dream to serve abroad. The Mother Teresa Anniversary highlights this lesson: Stories can spark big dreams. Students can read books about heroes—like scientists or activists—or listen to family stories to find inspiration for their own goals.
Lesson 1: Discover Your Purpose Early on Mother Teresa Anniversary
By age 12, during a pilgrimage to the Black Madonna shrine in Letnica, near Skopje’s forested hills, Anjezë felt a profound calling to dedicate her life to God. She began praying daily, often by the Vardar River or in quiet moments at home, seeking guidance. Her faith grew like a sturdy tree in a forest, rooted in her family’s devotion and the missionary stories she cherished. She confided in her mother and priests, who encouraged her to explore this calling. Lesson for students: Explore what excites you—whether it’s helping animals, creating art, or solving problems. The Mother Teresa Anniversary inspires students to think about how their passions can help others, just as Anjezë found her purpose young.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Facing Tragedy and Building Resilience
In 1919, when Anjezë was only eight, her father Nikola died unexpectedly, possibly poisoned due to his involvement in Albanian political movements during a turbulent time in Skopje. His death was a devastating blow, plunging the family into financial hardship. Dranafile, widowed with three young children, took up sewing and selling handmade cloth to provide for Aga, Lazar, and Anjezë. The family moved to a smaller home, and Anjezë helped with chores—fetching water from a nearby well, cleaning, or running errands along the river’s edge. Despite their struggles, Dranafile continued inviting the poor to share their meager meals, showing Anjezë the power of giving even in tough times.
This loss taught Anjezë resilience. She leaned on her faith, finding comfort in church and the Sodality group. She continued her studies, excelling despite grief, and found joy in small acts, like playing with friends in Skopje’s forests or praying under its cloudy skies. The Mother Teresa Anniversary teaches students: Stay strong through challenges. If you face difficulties—like losing a loved one, moving to a new school, or struggling with a subject—keep going, like Anjezë did, by finding support in family, friends, or hobbies.
Lesson 2: Grow Through Hardship on Mother Teresa Anniversary
Anjezë’s ability to persevere after her father’s death shaped her character. She saw her mother’s strength—working tirelessly while still helping others—and learned that challenges can make you stronger. She began helping neighbors, delivering food or comforting those in need, mirroring Dranafile’s example. Lesson for students: When things get tough, like failing a test or feeling left out, lean on your support system and keep trying. The Mother Teresa Anniversary reminds students that resilience, like a river carving through stone, can lead to growth.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: A Bold Decision at 18
By 1928, at age 18, Anjezë knew her calling was to become a missionary nun. After praying and discussing with her mother and priests, she decided to join the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish order known for educating girls in India. On August 15, 1928, she left Skopje for Dublin, Ireland, a journey that meant leaving her mother and sister forever due to Albania’s tightening political restrictions under King Zog I. Carrying only a small bag, she traveled by train across Europe, her heart heavy but her faith firm, like clouds holding steady before a storm.
In Ireland, Anjezë learned English, essential for her work in India, and began her training as a novice. In 1929, she sailed to India, arriving in Darjeeling to continue her formation. She took the name Sister Mary Teresa, inspired by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a patron of missionaries. This bold step marked the start of her path to becoming Mother Teresa. The Mother Teresa Anniversary celebrates this lesson: Make brave choices for good. Students can take small risks—like joining a new club, speaking up in class, or helping a stranger—to grow and make a difference.
Lesson 3: Be Courageous on Mother Teresa Anniversary
Anjezë’s departure from Skopje was a leap of faith. She faced an unknown future, leaving her home’s familiar rivers and forests for a distant land. Yet her trust in her calling gave her strength. Lesson for students: Try something new, even if it’s scary, like presenting a project or volunteering. The Mother Teresa Anniversary encourages students to be brave, knowing small steps can lead to big impact, just as Anjezë’s journey did.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: How Her Childhood Shaped Her Legacy
Anjezë’s childhood—filled with her mother’s kindness, her faith’s depth, missionary stories, and resilience after loss—laid the foundation for her life’s work. In India, she taught as a nun, then answered a “call within the call” in 1946 to serve Kolkata’s slums. In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, opening homes like Nirmal Hriday for the dying and Nirmala Shishu Bhavan for orphans. By 1997, her order served 123 countries with 4,000 sisters, addressing poverty, disease, and homelessness. Her childhood lessons fueled her global mission, celebrated each Mother Teresa Anniversary.
Her early years also led to honors: the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize (1962), John XXIII Peace Prize (1971), Templeton Prize (1973), Nobel Peace Prize (1979), and Bharat Ratna (1980). Despite criticisms about her homes’ medical standards or religious focus, her intent was to offer dignity, rooted in her Skopje upbringing. Canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta on September 4, 2016, after miracles in 2002 and 2008, her legacy endures. The Mother Teresa Anniversary reminds students that their childhood shapes their future impact.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Answering the Divine Call in India
In January 1929, Anjezë arrived in India, beginning her novitiate in Darjeeling, a Himalayan town known for its misty clouds, tea gardens, and sparkling rivers like the Teesta. She took the name Sister Mary Teresa, inspired by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a patron of missionaries. She learned Bengali and taught at St. Teresa’s School, immersing herself in India’s diverse culture. In 1931, she moved to St. Mary’s School in Kolkata (then Calcutta), teaching geography and history to girls from wealthier families. On May 24, 1931, she took her first religious vows, and on May 14, 1937, she professed her final vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, becoming “Mother” Teresa, as was customary for Loreto nuns.
The 1940s brought turmoil to Kolkata. The Bengal famine of 1943 caused widespread starvation, killing millions, while communal riots in 1946 deepened the city’s suffering. Mother Teresa saw children begging, families homeless, and bodies on the streets. These sights stirred her soul. On September 10, 1946, during a train journey to Darjeeling for a retreat, she received what she called “the call within the call.” God asked her to leave teaching and serve the poorest directly, a pivotal moment we reflect on during the Mother Teresa Anniversary. In 1948, after papal approval, she left the Loreto convent, adopted Indian citizenship, and began her mission in Kolkata’s slums.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Pioneering Work in the Slums
With no resources, Mother Teresa started alone, trading her black nun’s habit for a white cotton sari with blue borders, symbolizing simplicity and devotion to the Virgin Mary. She trained briefly in nursing at the Holy Family Hospital in Patna, returning to Kolkata to live among the poor. In the Motijhil slum, she began teaching children, writing letters in the dirt with a stick and begging for food to feed them. She faced hunger and doubt herself, describing these early days as a “dark night of the soul,” yet her faith, like a river cutting through a forest, kept her moving forward.
Her first major step was opening a school in Motijhil, followed by visits to the sick and dying in their homes. She washed sores, gave medicine, and offered love to those society ignored. Her work attracted local volunteers, including former students, who joined her efforts. The Mother Teresa Anniversary celebrates this courage to start small, showing that one person’s compassion can spark change.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Founding the Missionaries of Charity
On October 7, 1950, Mother Teresa received Vatican approval to establish the Missionaries of Charity, a new religious congregation dedicated to serving “the poorest of the poor.” The sisters took a unique fourth vow: to give “wholehearted free service” to those in greatest need. In 1952, she opened Nirmal Hriday (“Pure Heart”), a home for the dying in a converted Kali temple in Kolkata. Here, she ensured the destitute died with dignity—Hindus received Ganges water, Muslims heard Quranic verses, Catholics got last rites, and others were comforted according to their beliefs. This home became a sanctuary, reflecting the compassion we honor on the Mother Teresa Anniversary.
In 1955, she founded Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, a home for orphans and abandoned children, offering them love and education. She also established Shanti Nagar, a colony for leprosy patients, providing medical care and work to restore their dignity in a society that shunned them. By 1960, the Missionaries of Charity opened centers across India, addressing hunger, homelessness, and disease. In 1965, the mission expanded internationally to Venezuela, followed by outposts in Rome, Tanzania, Australia, and beyond. By 1997, the order had grown to over 4,000 sisters running 610 centers in 123 countries, including hospices, schools, AIDS clinics, and soup kitchens. The Mother Teresa Anniversary underscores this global reach, a testament to her vision.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Expanding Her Global Mission
The Missionaries of Charity became a lifeline for the marginalized. In 1982, during the Siege of Beirut, Mother Teresa brokered a ceasefire to evacuate 37 children from a war-torn hospital, showcasing her bravery. She opened homes for AIDS patients in the 1980s, when the disease carried heavy stigma. Her centers provided mobile clinics, disaster relief, and counseling, adapting to local needs. Her work was like clouds bringing rain to barren lands, offering relief and hope. The Mother Teresa Anniversary reminds us of her ability to bridge cultures and faiths through service.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Awards and Global Recognition
Mother Teresa’s tireless efforts earned her numerous honors, celebrated each Mother Teresa Anniversary. In 1962, she received the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize for her work in Asia, recognizing her bridge-building across communities. In 1971, Pope Paul VI awarded her the John XXIII Peace Prize for her spiritual and humanitarian contributions. In 1973, she won the Templeton Prize for advancing spiritual understanding. Her most prestigious accolade came in 1979 with the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded for her fight against poverty, which she described as “a messenger of God’s love.” She donated the $192,000 prize money to the poor, skipping the ceremonial banquet. In 1980, India honored her with the Bharat Ratna, its highest civilian award. Other recognitions included the Balzan Prize (1978) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1985). These awards, highlighted during the Mother Teresa Anniversary, reflect her global impact.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Addressing Criticisms
Despite her accolades, Mother Teresa faced scrutiny, a topic often discussed during the Mother Teresa Anniversary. Critics, including a 2015 Washington Post article, argued that her homes, like Nirmal Hriday, sometimes lacked adequate medical standards, with limited pain relief or modern equipment due to her emphasis on simplicity. Some accused her of prioritizing religious conversion, pointing to her Catholic beliefs and baptisms performed in her homes. Her view that suffering brought people closer to God drew controversy, as did her acceptance of donations from figures like Haiti’s dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier. Studies, like a 2013 University of Montreal analysis, questioned the efficiency of her facilities.
Supporters counter that her mission focused on dignity, not medical perfection, and operated in resource-scarce environments. Her faith guided her, but she respected all religions, ensuring care aligned with patients’ beliefs. The Mother Teresa Anniversary invites reflection on these debates, encouraging us to weigh her intentions against the challenges she faced.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Final Years and Path to Sainthood
Mother Teresa’s health declined in the 1980s. She suffered a heart attack in 1983, followed by another in 1989, and received a pacemaker in 1996. Despite frailty, she continued visiting her missions worldwide. In March 1997, she stepped down as head of the Missionaries of Charity, passing leadership to Sister Nirmala Joshi. On September 5, 1997, she died in Kolkata at age 87 from heart failure. India honored her with a state funeral, and millions mourned globally.
In 1999, the Catholic Church fast-tracked her sainthood process, a rarity. In 2002, a miracle was recognized: Monica Besra, an Indian woman, claimed her tumor healed after praying with a Mother Teresa medallion. On October 19, 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified her. A second miracle, the recovery of a Brazilian man from brain tumors in 2008, led to her canonization by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016, as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Her feast day is September 5, but the Mother Teresa Anniversary on August 26 remains a key celebration of her birth and legacy.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Her Enduring Legacy in 2025
The Missionaries of Charity continue their work, serving millions across 139 countries with over 5,000 sisters as of 2025. They run 19 types of services, including orphanages, leprosy clinics, and disaster relief. Institutions like Mother Teresa Women’s University in Tamil Nadu and hospitals worldwide bear her name. In 2010, her 100th Mother Teresa Anniversary saw India issue a commemorative 5-rupee coin and host events like interfaith prayers. In 2025, the Swarna Bharat Parivaar Trust is marking the Mother Teresa Anniversary with International Mother Teresa Awards on August 26, honoring humanitarians who emulate her spirit.
Her writings, like Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light (2007), reveal her inner struggles with doubt, yet her faith endured. Films like Mother Teresa of Calcutta (2003) and books continue her story. Her quote, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love,” inspires action. The Mother Teresa Anniversary encourages us to emulate her, whether through volunteering or simple kindness, like a river sustaining life, a forest offering shelter, or clouds promising hope.
Mother Teresa Anniversary: Practical Lessons for Students in 2025
In 2025, the Swarna Bharat Parivaar Trust marks the Mother Teresa Anniversary with awards for humanitarians. Her words, “Do small things with great love,” inspire action. Here are practical lessons for students:
- Be Kind Daily: Help a friend with homework or share lunch, like Mother Teresa shared with the poor.
- Start Small: Clean your classroom or organize a book drive, reflecting her modest beginnings.
- Work Together: Join school clubs or charity events, mirroring her teamwork.
- Stay Resilient: Keep trying despite setbacks, like Mother Teresa’s persistence in the slums.
- Respect Everyone: Treat all classmates kindly, regardless of differences, as she respected all faiths.
Honoring the Mother Teresa Anniversary in 2025
The 115th Mother Teresa Anniversary on August 26, 2025, invites us to reflect on a woman who dedicated her life to the marginalized. From her childhood in Skopje to her global mission, her story teaches that compassion can change the world. Like a river nourishing the earth, a forest providing refuge, or clouds heralding renewal, her legacy inspires us to act with love. Whether you’re a student learning about heroes or an adult seeking purpose, the Mother Teresa Anniversary calls you to make a difference, one small act at a time.
FAQ: Mother Teresa Anniversary
What is the significance of the Mother Teresa Anniversary?
The Mother Teresa Anniversary on August 26 celebrates her birth in 1910, honoring her life of service to the poorest and her global legacy of compassion.
What did Mother Teresa do to help people?
She founded the Missionaries of Charity, opened homes for the dying, orphans, and leprosy patients, and provided food, education, and medical care worldwide.
When and why was Mother Teresa made a saint?
She was canonized on September 4, 2016, after two miracles were attributed to her intercession, recognizing her holy life of service.
What awards did Mother Teresa receive during her life?
She received the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize (1962), John XXIII Peace Prize (1971), Templeton Prize (1973), Nobel Peace Prize (1979), and Bharat Ratna (1980).
How can I participate in the Mother Teresa Anniversary?
You can volunteer, donate to charities, or perform small acts of kindness in your community to honor her legacy of love.
What controversies surround Mother Teresa’s work?
Some criticized her homes for basic medical care and her religious views, but supporters emphasize her focus on dignity in resource-poor settings.
