Saint Teresa of Calcutta

From a classroom to the streets

Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu was born on 26 August 1910 in Skopje to an Albanian family. At eighteen she left home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, receiving the name Teresa. She arrived in India in 1929 and taught at a girls' school in Calcutta, later becoming its principal.

During a journey in 1946 she experienced a call to serve people in extreme poverty more directly. After a period of discernment she left her Loreto community to begin that work. The Missionaries of Charity were established in 1950. Their ministry grew to include people who were homeless, sick, dying or otherwise abandoned. Mother Teresa died in Calcutta on 5 September 1997.

Sources: Holy See: biography of Mother Teresa

The dignity of every neighbour

Pope Francis canonized her on 4 September 2016. In his homily he emphasized her readiness to serve those whom society pushed aside. Her work, he explained, made mercy visible through personal attention to human need. It also challenged others to recognize the dignity of people whose suffering was easy to overlook.

Her example connects worship with the care of a particular person: someone who needs food, shelter, company or a hand to hold. The Church's calendar decree likewise presents her as a witness to humble service and hope. A decree published in 2025 added her optional memorial on 5 September to the General Roman Calendar. As with other optional memorials, its celebration depends on the liturgical day and applicable local calendar.

Sources: Pope Francis: canonization homily, 4 September 2016 · Holy See: decree adding Teresa to the General Roman Calendar

A moment for reflection

Think of a person near you who is often overlooked. Begin with their name, listen to what they say and avoid assuming you know their needs. Offer one practical act of kindness that respects their dignity. In prayer, ask to recognize Christ in the people you meet, especially when serving them interrupts your plans or requires patience.