Mother Teresa Age, Death, Family, Biography
Here’s a concise summary of the bio of Mother Teresa, formatted into a table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu |
| Real Name | Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu |
| Other Name | Blessed Teresa of Calcutta |
| Profession | Catholic Nun |
| Height | 5′ (152 cm) |
| Eye Color | Grey |
| Title(s) | Virgin, Superior General |
| Venerated | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 19 October 2003 by Pope John Paul II |
| Canonized | 4 September 2016 by Pope Francis |
| Associated With | Missionaries of Charity (1950–1997), Sisters of Loreto (1928–1948) |
| Major Shrine | Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, Calcutta, India |
| Feast Day | 5 September |
| Successor | Sr. Nirmala Joshi, MC |
| Awards and Honors | Nobel Peace Prize, Bharat Ratna, United States Congressional Gold Medal, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Queen Elizabeth II’s Order of Merit, various honorary awards and recognitions |
| Date of Birth | 26 August 1910 |
| Birthplace | Üsküp, Kosovo Vilayet, Ottoman Empire (modern Skopje, Republic of Macedonia) |
| Date of Death | 5 September 1997 |
| Place of Death | Calcutta (Kolkata), India |
| Age at Death | 87 Years |
| Death Cause | Cardiac Arrest – Prolonged illness including heart issues, pneumonia, and malaria |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Nationality | Indian citizen, also Yugoslavian and honorary American citizenship |
| Ethnicity | Albanian |
| Food Habit | Non-Vegetarian |
| Tomb | Located in the Mother House, Kolkata, India |
| Controversies | Allegations of covering up church excesses, accusations of religious conversions, criticisms from various sources, and support for Indira Gandhi’s Emergency |
| Marital Status | Unmarried at the time of death |
| Parents | Father: Nikollë Bojaxhiu, Mother: Dranafile Bojaxhiu |
| Siblings | Brother: Lazar Bojaxhiu, Sister: Aga Bojaxhiu |
Feel free to ask if you need more details on any specific aspect!
Mother Teresa, whose birth name was Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which is now part of North Macedonia. She was the youngest of three children in a family of Albanian descent. Her father, Nicola Bojaxhiu, was a successful businessman, and her mother, Dranafile Bojaxhiu, was a homemaker known for her compassion and charitable nature, which greatly influenced Teresa’s life and work.
At the age of 18, Mother Teresa left home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she took on the name Sister Mary Teresa after St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Shortly afterward, she was sent to Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, where she served as a teacher. However, witnessing the extreme poverty and suffering around her led her to a spiritual calling to dedicate her life to serving the poorest of the poor.
In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation that aimed to care for the destitute, sick, and dying, regardless of their background. Over the years, Mother Teresa’s mission expanded globally, establishing hospices, orphanages, and centers for those in need. Her work was characterized by a profound humility and a deep commitment to the belief that serving others, especially the most marginalized, was a way to serve God.
Mother Teresa’s contributions did not go unnoticed. She received numerous awards and accolades throughout her lifetime, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, which she accepted for her humanitarian work. Despite her remarkable achievements, she remained dedicated to her mission, often living in poverty herself and advocating for the rights of the oppressed.
Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997, in Kolkata, India, at the age of 87. Following her death, her legacy continued to inspire many around the world. The process for her canonization began, culminating in her being declared a saint by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016.
Mother Teresa’s family remained largely discreet about their personal lives. Her sister, Agnese, also had a notable role in the Catholic Church, while her brother, Lazar, worked in various capacities related to community service.
Facts about Mother Teresa:
- Full Name: Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu
- Birth Date: August 26, 1910
- Birthplace: Skopje, North Macedonia
- Death Date: September 5, 1997
- Age at Death: 87 years old
- Religious Order: Missionaries of Charity (founded in 1950)
- Nobel Peace Prize: Awarded in 1979
- Canonization: Became a saint on September 4, 2016
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was Mother Teresa known for?
A: Mother Teresa was known for her tireless work among the poor and sick, primarily in India, and for founding the Missionaries of Charity.
Q: When did Mother Teresa receive the Nobel Peace Prize?
A: She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work.
Q: What is the Missionaries of Charity?
A: The Missionaries of Charity is a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded by Mother Teresa focused on serving the poorest of the poor.
Q: Where did Mother Teresa spend most of her life?
A: Mother Teresa spent most of her life in Kolkata, India.
Q: How did Mother Teresa die?
A: Mother Teresa died from cardiac arrest after a prolonged illness, including complications from heart disease.
Q: What is her legacy?
A: Mother Teresa’s legacy includes the continued work of the Missionaries of Charity and her inspirational example of selfless service, compassion, and dedication to the marginalized.
Mother Teresa remains an iconic figure in humanitarian work, embodying the spirit of love and service that transcends boundaries and continues to inspire people around the globe.
