On August 26, 2025, the world marks the 115th birth anniversary of Mother Teresa, the saint whose selfless service to the destitute continues to inspire globally. Born Anjezë Gonxha Bojaxhiu, she founded the Missionaries of Charity and was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Her enduring legacy is celebrated through charity and reflection. Tributes unfold in Kolkata, Skopje, and beyond. Masses, service initiatives, and social media tributes highlight her impact.
A Life Devoted to the Poor
Born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, now North Macedonia, Mother Teresa felt a divine calling at age 12, joining the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland by 18. Arriving in India in 1929, she taught in Kolkata but was moved by its poverty, founding the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 to serve “the poorest of the poor.” Her work, including homes like Nirmal Hriday for the dying, earned her the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, accepted for the marginalized. Canonized in 2016, her legacy endures.
Global Tributes in 2025
Today, August 26, 2025, Kolkata’s Missionaries of Charity motherhouse hosts a Mass led by Sister Mary Prema, with volunteers distributing food to the needy. In Skopje, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa displays her relics, drawing crowds. Tirana’s Mother Teresa Square hosts cultural events, while the Missionaries’ 700+ global centers hold prayer services.
Addressing Controversies
Critics, like those cited in Wikipedia (August 2025), argue Mother Teresa focused on symptoms over systemic poverty, unlike Óscar Romero, and her defense of controversial figures like Jesuit priest Donald McGuire sparked debate. Yet, her two Vatican-verified miracles led to her 2016 canonization. In 2025, her order’s 5,000 nuns serve across 139 countries, aiding refugees and orphans (Christianity.org.uk). Her mantra, “Do small things with great love,” fuels an ongoing charity drive.
An Enduring Call to Serve
Mother Teresa’s 115th anniversary today challenges humanity to act with compassion. While skeptics question her approach, her impact—through homes for the destitute and global outreach—remains profound. Will her legacy inspire future generations or wane amid modern critiques? As X users note, “Her heart was with the poor,” and her work continues to transform lives. In 2025, Saint Teresa’s spirit urges us to find divinity in service, a timeless call to action.
-By Manoj H