St. Teresa of Calcutta

St. Teresa of Calcutta

Teresa of Calcutta founded the Missionaries of Charity to serve people facing extreme poverty and abandonment.

Life
1910–1997
Canonized
2016

Life and vocation

Born Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu in Skopje, she entered the Sisters of Loreto and taught in India. She later began a new mission among the poorest residents of Calcutta, now Kolkata.

Faith in action

The Missionaries of Charity were established in 1950. Their work expanded to other countries, combining community prayer with practical care. Canonized in 2016, she is remembered for her care for the poorest people and her respect for each person’s dignity.

For readers in the United States

For readers in the United States, this collection includes Elizabeth Ann Seton and Kateri Tekakwitha alongside saints from other parts of the world. Follow the United States calendar for local observances.

This biography is not a liturgical reading. For the observances in your area, consult the local calendar and your diocese.

Explore the local liturgical calendar →Daily Catholic Quotes →

Sources and further reading

Sources checked:

Image credit

Túrelio · MotherTeresa 090.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0 de. Images resized for this page; social previews are cropped and include text.

Related saints

Carry a little inspiration into your day

Read Bible verses and words from the saints in Catholic Daily.