Mother Teresa's Birth Anniversary Special: Interesting Facts About Mother Teresa And Inspiring Quotes

Also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Mother Teresa is an inspiration to the world out there. However, she was also marred by several controversies. There are so many more facts about this legend whose 111th Birth Anniversary is being celebrated today. On the occasion of her birthday today, we have gathered some of her most inspiring quotes and interesting facts you might want to know.

Mother Teresa Birth Anniversary Inspiring Quotes

• "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa
• "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." - Mother Teresa
• "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." - Mother Teresa
• "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." - Mother Teresa
• "Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person." - Mother Teresa

What Was Mother Teresa's Real Name?

• Her original name was Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. The word “Anjeze” means "a little flower" in Albanian.
• She was actually born on the 26th of August 1910, but she later changed her birthday to 27th August, as that is the day she got baptized. This is the day she considered to be her "true birthday."

Mother Teresa's Background

• She helped the poor but it is said that she herself was not born into a poor family. In fact, she belonged to a financially secured family and owned two houses.
• She once said: "By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, I am an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus.”
• Mother Teresa decided to commit herself to religious life when she was just 12-years-old. She was always very fascinated by stories of the lives of missionaries and their services in India. 

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Journey Of Mother Teresa

• Before she relocated to India, Mother Teresa left for Ireland to learn English in 1928 (aged 18). After that, she never saw her mother or her sisters again.
• Till 1948, Mother Teresa taught at St. Mary's High School in Calcutta. After this, she left her profession to work in the slums of Calcutta aiding the city's poorest and sickest people. She announced that Jesus spoke to her and told her to abandon.
• Did you know that during her time in Calcutta when she used to teach poor children she had no supplies or equipment? However, she managed by writing in the dirt with wooden sticks. Moreover, when she was caring for the poor here, she herself had to beg for food.
• In 1982, at the height of the Siege of Beirut, Mother Teresa rescued 37 children who were trapped in a hospital. She was accompanied by Red Cross workers here where they travelled through the war zone to the destroyed hospital to evacuate the young patients.

Achievements Of Mother Teresa

• The legend received more than 120 honours and awards, which included the 1962 Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize.

• Apparently, Mother Teresa is believed to have performed at least two miracles when she was alive and one after her death. In 1997, she healed an Indian woman Monica Besra who suffered from a stomach tumor. In 2008, a Brazilian man named Marcilio Haddad Andrino recovered from multiple abscesses in his brain after he had prayed to a relic of Mother Teresa.

• She even refused the traditional Nobel honor banquet, and in exchange, she requested that the $192,000 budget be given to help the poor of India.

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Mother Teresa And Princess Diana relationship

Another interesting fact is that she and Princess Diana were friends. During their last meeting in 1997, they even prayed together and walked hand-in-hand on the streets of New York City. Princess Diana died in a tragic accident on 31 August, Mother Teresa passed away 5 days later.

We hope you found this article inspiring and interesting! If you wish to read more such content, stay tuned to HerZindagi!