On August 26, the world respect  the birth of one of the most revered figures in modern history—Mother Teresa. Born in 1910 in Skopje, now part of North Macedonia, Mother Teresa's life story is one of extraordinary compassion and unwavering dedication to serving humanity. Her journey, from a young girl named Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu to the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, is an inspiring testament to the power of love and selfless service.

Early Life and the Call to Serve
Mother Teresa was the youngest of three children in a devout Albanian Catholic family. From an early age, she exhibited a deep sense of empathy, a quality that would become the cornerstone of her life's work. At just twelve years old, during a pilgrimage to Lourdes with her mother, she felt an intense spiritual calling. This profound experience solidified her resolve to dedicate her life to serving others, a decision that would lead her on a path of global impact.

At eighteen, Mother Teresa left her home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she began her training as a nun. Her journey soon took her to India, where she taught at St. Mary's High School in Kolkata for nearly two decades. It was during this time that she became acutely aware of the extreme poverty surrounding her, a realization that ignited an unyielding determination to help those in need.

A Life Devoted to the Poor
Mother Teresa's work with the poor became legendary, marked by her boundless compassion and humility. She approached every person she encountered as a beloved child of God, offering not only material assistance but also emotional and spiritual support. Whether providing food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, or care to the sick, Mother Teresa's acts of service were driven by a profound love for humanity.

She recognized that true poverty extended beyond the physical, encompassing loneliness, abandonment, and spiritual emptiness. Her mission was not just to alleviate suffering but to offer solace and companionship, ensuring that those she helped felt valued and loved. Mother Teresa's ability to treat everyone with dignity, regardless of their circumstances, became one of her defining principles.

Her tireless efforts inspired countless others to join her in charitable work, spreading her message of love and kindness across the globe. Today, her legacy continues through organizations like the Missionaries of Charity, which she founded to carry on her mission of serving the most marginalized populations.

Founding the Missionaries of Charity
In 1950, Mother Teresa's vision took concrete form with the establishment of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata. This small group of dedicated individuals, united by their desire to uplift the poorest and most neglected members of society, quickly grew into a global movement. The Missionaries of Charity provided care, love, and support to those living on the streets, abandoned children, lepers, and individuals suffering from diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Mother Teresa's leadership was characterized by humility and an unyielding commitment to service. She encouraged her sisters, as she called her fellow nuns, to live among those they served, sharing in their struggles and joys. This approach not only deepened their understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities but also strengthened their resolve to help.

The Missionaries of Charity expanded rapidly, establishing missions across continents—from Africa to Europe to South America. Each mission became a sanctuary of hope, offering shelter, food, healthcare, and education to those in need. Mother Teresa's philosophy that "love begins at home" guided the organization, ensuring that every person was treated with the dignity and respect they deserved.

A Legacy of Love and Compassion
Mother Teresa's impact on the world cannot be measured solely by the numbers of lives she touched, but by the profound sense of hope and love she inspired. Her life's work is a powerful reminder that each of us has the ability to make a difference, no matter how small the act of kindness may seem.

As the world celebrate her birthday, we remember Mother Teresa not just as a saint, but as a human being who chose to live a life of selfless service. Her legacy continues to influence generations, reminding us that true joy comes from giving and that the power of love and kindness is enduring.

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