Mother Teresa, born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, had a vision to help the destitute and those suffering from neglect and poverty. In 1948, after receiving permission from the Catholic Church, she took her first step toward founding the Missionaries of Charity by leaving her convent to begin working in the slums of Calcutta, India. Driven by her deep sense of compassion, she began caring for the dying, whom she believed deserved dignity in their last days. The small congregation was officially recognized on October 7, 1950, when Mother Teresa gathered a small group of like-minded women who shared her dedication to serve the poorest of the poor.

Initially, the Missionaries of Charity had just 12 members, and they focused extensively on nursing the sick and providing for orphans. As news of their work spread, donations began to flow in, enabling Mother Teresa to expand her mission beyond India. The organization soon established homes for the sick and dying, orphanages, and schools around the world. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Mother Teresa built a legacy that emphasized the importance of human dignity and the moral responsibility of helping those in distress.

The Missionaries of Charity grew rapidly in the coming decades, forming hundreds of houses in various countries and broadening the scope of their services to include shelter for refugees and the homeless. The impact of Mother Teresa’s work inspired countless individuals to engage in charitable acts and sparked the establishment of similar organizations and initiatives worldwide that focus on humanitarian efforts.