**Life:**
- **Birth and Early Life:** Mother Teresa, originally named Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, now the capital of North Macedonia. At the age of 18, she left home to join the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns with missions in India.
- **Missionary Work:** In 1929, she arrived in India and began her missionary work in Kolkata (Calcutta) where she taught at St. Mary's School for girls. During this time, she became increasingly distressed by the poverty and suffering she witnessed in the streets of the city.
**Contributions:**
- **Founding Missionaries of Charity:**
- **Establishment:** In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor. The congregation grew rapidly, establishing hospices, homes for the elderly, orphanages, and centers for those with leprosy and HIV/AIDS across the globe.
- **Selfless Service:** Mother Teresa and her sisters provided essential services such as medical care, food distribution, education, and spiritual guidance to the marginalized and destitute, regardless of their religion or social status.
- **Recognition and Awards:**
- **Nobel Peace Prize:** In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work and selfless dedication to serving the poor and disadvantaged.
- **Canonization:** Mother Teresa was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016, recognizing her exemplary life of service and devotion to God through caring for the most vulnerable members of society.
- **Global Impact:**
- **Inspiration:** Mother Teresa's compassion and commitment to the "poorest of the poor" inspired countless individuals and organizations worldwide to engage in charitable and humanitarian work.
- **Legacy of Love:** She emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and solidarity in addressing social issues and alleviating suffering, leaving a lasting legacy of selflessness and service to humanity.
**Legacy:**
- **Humanitarian Icon:** Mother Teresa is revered as a humanitarian icon whose life exemplified the highest ideals of compassion, service, and sacrifice. Her unwavering dedication to the marginalized and vulnerable continues to inspire millions around the world.
- **Missionaries of Charity:** The Missionaries of Charity, under Mother Teresa's guidance, continue to operate in over 130 countries, providing essential services to the poor, sick, and orphaned.
- **Canonization and Sainthood:** Her canonization as a saint by the Catholic Church affirms her spiritual legacy and the global impact of her humanitarian work.
- **Recognition and Commemoration:** Numerous awards, institutions, and landmarks worldwide bear her name, honoring her contributions to humanity and underscoring her enduring influence.
**Conclusion:**
Mother Teresa's life and work epitomize the transformative power of compassion and selfless service. Through her profound commitment to alleviating suffering and serving the marginalized, she became a beacon of hope and inspiration for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Mother Teresa's legacy continues to resonate deeply, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have in making the world a more compassionate and caring place.
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