Mother Teresa: Fascinating Questions and Answers

Mother Teresa, born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, is a revered figure known for her remarkable contributions to the world, notably her missionary work among the poorest and sickest people in Calcutta, India. Her life and teachings have sparked numerous questions, ranging from her humble beginnings to her Nobel Peace Prize and sainthood. Let's delve into some of these questions that surround Mother Teresa's formidable legacy.

Born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, members of the then Serbian province of the Ottoman Empire (now part of North Macedonia), Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu's journey to becoming Mother Teresa is a story of faith, courage, and a Labour of Love for the underserved. Her family wasнин devout Catholics, and her mother, Drane, was a strong influence on her faith and her future vocations.

Mother Teresa's Calling and Order

At the age of 16, Gonxhe left home and boarded a ship to Ireland to join the Sisters of Loreto. She then went on to India where she taught at St. Mary's High School for girls in Calcutta. It was here that she experienced her 'call within a call', a phrase she often used to describe her desire to serve the poorest among the poor.

She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, a religious congregation that would grow to include sisters, brothers, and lay co-workers. The order was dedicated to helping the poorest and most marginalized, and their work has since spread around the world.

The 'Night of the Senses'

One of the most intriguing questions about Mother Teresa's life concerns her 'Night of the Senses', a period of spiritual darkness she experienced for over forty years, beginning around 1950. During this time, she felt absent from God, a phenomenon that she referred to as a 'destructive emptiness' in her letters. Despite this, she continued to spread her message of love, faith, and service to humanity.

Many have pondered over this period of spiritual desolation, seeking to understand how she could continue to serve God while feeling none of His presence. Her response, "I hope you spend a year or two in the darkness of spiritual aridity, and then you will know my̶ ̶}", offers a glimpse into her resilience and unyielding faith.

Mother Teresa's Relationship with Controversial Figures

Another point of curiosity is Mother Teresa's relationship with controversial figures such as Princess Diana and Charles Keith, individual who sought her spiritual guidance. Her decision to accept their friendship, despite their personal controversies, often raised eyebrows. However, she remained consistent in her belief that every human being deserved love and respect, regardless of their public image or past actions.

Her response to Princess Diana, during their first meeting, was characteristic of her approach: "People exhaust me, then you do your duty. I don't think you were meant to understand it all now."

Mother Teresa and her Impact on World Opinion and Policies

The recognition awarded to Mother Teresa during her lifetime, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, and the subsequent movement to canonize her, has sparked many questions about her impact on world opinion and policies.

Her commitment to the poor, her criticism of the rich and powerful, and her persistent engagement in global issues such as poverty, abortion, and war, have all contributed to a global awareness of social and political issues. Her life and teachings continue to influence both spiritual and political leaders worldwide, challenging them to act with love and compassion.

The 'Disturbing Figure' Controversy

One of the most controversial questions about Mother Teresa's impact concerns a New York Times piece, published after her death, which portrayed her as a "disturbing figure". The article criticized her lack of medical expertise, and her reliance on prayer, rather than modern medicine, to treat the sick. It also questioned her political connections and her motivation for accepting funds from various sources.

Despite this criticism, and many others that have followed, Mother Teresa's legacy continues to inspire millions, with thousands of Missionaries of Charity sisters and lay co-workers serving the poor in over 130 countries today. Her words have become a beacon of hope and a call to action, "If you want to bring happiness to the world, go out to the poorest and with love, serve them."