9 Facts About the Amazing Life of Saint Mother Teresa Every Catholic Should Know

Saint Mother Teresa is a saint for these times!

During her life on earth, Mother Teresa demonstrated that genuine faith is inseparable from active, compassionate service to others.

Her life and legacy continue to inspire countless Catholics worldwide, urging them to embrace a life of humility, service, and unconditional love for their neighbors.

During her canonization, Pope Francis affectionately stated, “I think, perhaps, we may have some difficulty in calling her Saint Teresa: her holiness is so near to us, so tender and so fruitful, that we continue to spontaneously call her Mother Teresa.”

Here are nine things to know about the incredible life of Saint Teresa of Kolkata:

1. Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born Aug. 26, 1910, in North Macedonia.

2. As a nun, she chose the name Teresa to honor Saints Therese of Lisieux and Teresa of Avila.

3. She joined the Sisters of Loreto at age 17 and began teaching in Kolkata. During this time, she received God's call to serve in a different way.

4. In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity. The religious congregation focused on serving the poor, the dying, and the unwanted in society.

5. She was a vocal defender of the unborn.

6. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

7. She experienced mental suffering and doubt.

8. She was a dear friend of Pope Saint John Paul II.

9. She was beatified only six years after her death.

Mother Teresa’s Prayer for the Family

Heavenly Father,
You have given us a
model of life in the
Holy Family of Nazareth.

Help us, O Loving Father,
to make our family
another Nazareth
where love, peace, and joy reign.

May it be
deeply contemplative,
intensely Eucharistic
and vibrant with joy.

Help us to stay together
in joy and sorrow
through family prayer.

Teach us to see Jesus
in the members of our family,
especially in their
distressing disguise.

May the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus
make our hearts meek and humble
like His, and help us to carry out
our family duties in a holy way.

May we love one another
as God loves each one of us,
more and more each day,
and forgive each other's faults
as you forgive our sins.

Help us, O Loving Father,
to take whatever you give
and to give whatever you take,
with a big smile.

Help us, O Holy Father,
to make our families
one heart, full of love,
in the Heart of Jesus through Mary.

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
cause of our joy,
pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Holy Guardian Angels,
be always with us,
guide and protect us.
Amen.

-- St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata

Prayer Source: EWTN