How Mother Teresa Changed the World Through Charity

Published June 19, 2025
To many, Mother Teresa is the epitome of charity, compassion, and selflessness. To the homeless and destitute, she was the beacon of hope in their darkest times. Her life of service earned her the title “The Living Saint” and made her a symbol of unwavering dedication to humanity.
Despite facing criticism and challenges, Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving the sick, poor, and marginalized. Through her work, she broke barriers, challenged stereotypes, and taught us the true meaning of charity. Her contributions, through the Missionaries of Charity, continue to inspire people around the world.
Who Was Mother Teresa?
Mother Teresa of Calcutta, canonized as Saint Teresa in 2016, was one of the most impactful humanitarians of the 20th century. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation dedicated to serving the poor, the sick, and the dying. Through her organization, she developed initiatives that transformed the lives of countless individuals.
Known for her simple white sari with blue borders, her modest appearance masked a formidable commitment to helping others. Mother Teresa’s life and work, even decades after her death in 1997, continue to inspire millions.
Early Life
Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, on August 26, 1910. Her family lived modestly, with her father, a businessman and politician, passing away when she was only 8 years old. Her mother, a devoutly religious woman, instilled in young Agnes the value of charity, often inviting the city’s poor to share meals with them.
This exposure to helping the less fortunate shaped her values early on. By the age of 12, Agnes felt drawn to a life of religious service. Four years later, she left her home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland with the goal of becoming a missionary.
After completing her training, she was sent to Darjeeling, India, where she learned Bengali and became a school principal. Although her life at this point was stable, Mother Teresa felt called to do more.
Heeding the Call
During the 1943 Bengal famine, which claimed millions of lives, Sister Teresa witnessed immense suffering. The sight of starving families and homeless individuals was difficult to ignore.
Then, during a 1946 train ride to a retreat, she felt what she described as “the call within a call.” She believed Christ was asking her to leave her convent and serve the “poorest of the poor” in the streets of Calcutta.
Determined to answer this call, she left her comfortable life as a teacher. Armed with basic medical training, strong faith, and an unyielding desire to make a difference, she set out to help those most in need.
Initially, Mother Teresa established a school and a home for the dying in Calcutta. Her efforts drew attention, and support began pouring in. This led her to formally establish the Missionaries of Charity in 1950.
Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity
What started as a small group of volunteers soon blossomed into a global movement. The Missionaries of Charity expanded its presence across India and later into other countries. Their mission was simple but profound—to serve the “unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.”
By the 1960s, the organization had opened orphanages, hospices, and leprosy centers across India. The first international house was established in Venezuela in 1965. Later, in 1971, they set up their first U.S.-based charity house in New York City.
The work of Mother Teresa’s charity extended beyond religious and cultural boundaries. For example, during the Lebanese Civil War, she crossed dangerous lines to help children from both Muslim and Christian communities. She even established homes for people with HIV/AIDS during a time when the disease carried heavy stigma.
At the time of her death in 1997, the Missionaries of Charity had 4,000 members and was active in 123 countries. Today, the organization continues her legacy.
How Mother Teresa Changed the World
Mother Teresa’s impact can be seen across multiple aspects of humanitarian work. Here’s how she left a lasting mark on the world.
She Defined the Meaning of Charity
Mother Teresa taught us that charity goes beyond financial aid. It’s about showing compassion, care, and love to those in desperate need.
She built soup kitchens, leper colonies, and orphanages. She didn’t just provide food and shelter; she treated those she helped like family. Her willingness to sacrifice personal comfort and face criticism is a powerful lesson in selflessness.
Her dedication inspired countless people to join her mission, proving that one individual’s commitment can spark global change.
Universal Love
Mother Teresa’s love was universal. She didn’t see race, nationality, or religion as barriers to serving others. One remarkable example was her mission in Beirut, where she assisted children from both sides of the conflict during a time of deep division.
She also extended her compassion to marginalized groups like those living with leprosy or HIV/AIDS. Her unwavering belief in the dignity of every person set a powerful example for humanity.

Promoting Peace and Forgiveness
Mother Teresa believed that peace begins with small acts of kindness, like a smile. She worked to promote harmony and actively engaged with opposing sides during conflicts.
Her philosophy of forgiveness and understanding was evident in how she ran the Missionaries of Charity. She forgave critics and detractors, teaching the world that the key to unity is compassion.
Advocating for Human Dignity
One of Mother Teresa’s most significant contributions was her relentless advocacy for human dignity. She believed everyone deserved respect, no matter their background or circumstances. Whether it was feeding the hungry or caring for the dying, every action reflected her commitment to treating people with love and respect.
Legacy of the Mother Teresa Charity
Through the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa’s legacy lives on. Her charitable programs, including a global network of schools, hospitals, and shelters, continue to provide hope and help to those who need it most.
Her work also created awareness about poverty and suffering, challenging people to see and address inequality. She received many accolades during her lifetime, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. However, her greatest legacy is the ripple effect of compassion and action that her life inspired.
You Can Make a Difference Too
Just like Mother Teresa, simple acts of kindness can create significant change. At Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, we are inspired by her mission. For over 35 years, we’ve served South Florida’s homeless, offering meals and support in a prejudice-free environment.
You can join us in continuing this legacy of giving. Whether it’s donating clothes, providing financial assistance, or volunteering your time, every little effort counts. Learn More About How You Can Help.
By following the example set by Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity, we can help shape a kinder, more compassionate world. Together, we can make a difference.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.

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