Collections of SaintsFrom Skopje to Kolkata, Teresa built a community serving people in poverty. She was canonized on 4 September 2016.
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Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu was born on 26 August 1910 in Skopje, into an Albanian family. She later took the religious name Teresa. Names and migration show why one life may have several geographical connections that a single nationality label cannot fully express.
The Holy SeeRead in context ↓She joined Loreto in Ireland in 1928 and arrived in India in 1929. Before founding the Missionaries of Charity, she taught and led a school. These years provide context for the experience in education, organisation and community life that preceded her street-level work in Kolkata.
The Holy SeeRead in context ↓On a train to Darjeeling on 10 September 1946, she experienced what she called a call within a call. After permission and preparation, she began a new form of service in 1948. This is presented as her religious testimony, not an inner experience that an image can verify.
Missionaries of CharityThe Holy SeeRead in context ↓The Missionaries of Charity was established as a diocesan congregation on 7 October 1950. The Mother House became the community’s home in February 1953. These dates distinguish the congregation’s foundation, the use of the building and the development of its work.
Missionaries of CharityMissionaries of CharityRead in context ↓The community spread beyond India through service houses and different forms of membership. The Church’s biography also discusses Teresa’s inner struggle. Reading a saint’s life need not erase difficulties, questions or social context; respect for her work can accompany careful examination of sources.
The Holy SeeMissionaries of CharityRead in context ↓
Teresa’s tomb at the Mother House, Kolkata. A visit photograph from 2010; the decoration may change.
Steve Browne & John Verkleir from Chicago, United States · CC BY 2.0 · Photo source · 3 November 2010Teresa died on 5 September 1997 and was buried at the Mother House on 13 September. Her room and the museum provide context for daily life beyond the tomb. Canonization took place on 4 September 2016. Older photographs need to be read alongside the custodian’s location reports.
Missionaries of CharityHoly See Press OfficeRead in context ↓Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu was born on 26 August 1910 in Skopje, into an Albanian family. She later took the religious name Teresa. Names and migration show why one life may have several geographical connections that a single nationality label cannot fully express.
The Holy SeeShe joined Loreto in Ireland in 1928 and arrived in India in 1929. Before founding the Missionaries of Charity, she taught and led a school. These years provide context for the experience in education, organisation and community life that preceded her street-level work in Kolkata.
The Holy SeeOn a train to Darjeeling on 10 September 1946, she experienced what she called a call within a call. After permission and preparation, she began a new form of service in 1948. This is presented as her religious testimony, not an inner experience that an image can verify.
Missionaries of CharityThe Holy SeeThe Missionaries of Charity was established as a diocesan congregation on 7 October 1950. The Mother House became the community’s home in February 1953. These dates distinguish the congregation’s foundation, the use of the building and the development of its work.
Missionaries of CharityMissionaries of CharityThe community spread beyond India through service houses and different forms of membership. The Church’s biography also discusses Teresa’s inner struggle. Reading a saint’s life need not erase difficulties, questions or social context; respect for her work can accompany careful examination of sources.
The Holy SeeMissionaries of CharityTeresa died on 5 September 1997 and was buried at the Mother House on 13 September. Her room and the museum provide context for daily life beyond the tomb. Canonization took place on 4 September 2016. Older photographs need to be read alongside the custodian’s location reports.
Missionaries of CharityHoly See Press OfficeTeresa formed a community to sustain service. How does a personal action change when it becomes an institution’s responsibility? Consider shared work, rules and attention to those receiving care.
Born on 26 August in Skopje.
The Holy SeeJoins Loreto in Ireland.
The Holy SeeArrives in India on 6 January.
The Holy SeeExperiences a new call during a train journey.
Missionaries of CharityBegins her new service outside Loreto.
Missionaries of CharityMissionaries of Charity established on 7 October.
Missionaries of CharityThe Mother House becomes the community’s home.
Missionaries of CharityDies 5 September; buried 13 September.
Missionaries of CharityBeatification on 19 October.
The Holy SeeCanonization on 4 September.
Holy See Press OfficeSummary prepared from the linked sources.
Teresa’s tomb at the Mother House, Kolkata. A visit photograph from 2010; the decoration may change.
Steve Browne & John Verkleir from Chicago, United States · CC BY 2.0 · Photo source · 3 November 2010The Missionaries of Charity reports that Teresa was buried at the Mother House on 13 September 1997.
Sources checked: 1 October 2026
View placeSources checked: 1 October 2026
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