On September 5, 1997, Mother Teresa, founder of the Missionaries of Charity, died in Calcutta, India, at age 87. Her tireless service to the poorest of the poor made her a global symbol of Christian charity, and she was canonized as a saint in 2016.

Historical Context

Born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje (now North Macedonia), Mother Teresa joined the Loreto Sisters at age 18 and went to India as a teacher. In 1946, she received what she called 'a call within a call' to serve the poorest of the poor, leading her to found the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. Her work began in the slums of Calcutta, where she opened homes for the dying, lepers, and orphans, eventually expanding to over 130 countries.

What Happened

💡 Key Fact: Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity grew from a single congregation of 12 sisters in 1950 to over 4,500 sisters running 610 missions in 123 countries by the time of her death.

On September 5, 1997, Mother Teresa died of cardiac arrest at the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. She had been in declining health for years, including a heart attack in 1989 and a fall in 1996. Her death triggered an outpouring of grief worldwide, with leaders and ordinary people alike honoring her. Her funeral on September 13 was a state funeral in India, attended by dignitaries from many nations, and her tomb at the Mother House became a pilgrimage site.

Spiritual Significance

Mother Teresa's life exemplified the Christian call to serve 'the least of these' (Matthew 25:40). Her radical embrace of the poor, the sick, and the dying challenged the Church and the world to see Christ in every human being, regardless of religion or status. Her canonization in 2016 by Pope Francis affirmed her as a model of holiness, though her legacy also includes questions about the conditions in her homes and her stance on issues like abortion, which she publicly opposed.

Conclusion

Mother Teresa's death marked the end of an era, but her spiritual legacy endures. The Missionaries of Charity continue her work, and her example inspires countless Christians to live out faith through concrete acts of love. Her life remains a powerful witness to the Gospel's call to compassion, even amid controversy and criticism, and her sainthood invites believers to emulate her self-giving love.

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Church My Way Editorial Team

Dedicated to bringing you accurate historical content every day.

Sources

  • 📚 Encyclopædia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com
  • 📚 Church My Way — Today in History daily archive

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where was Mother Teresa canonized?
Mother Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016, in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City.
What was the 'call within a call'?
In 1946, while on a train to Darjeeling, Mother Teresa felt a divine call to leave the convent and serve the poorest of the poor in the slums, which led to founding the Missionaries of Charity.
Did Mother Teresa receive any major awards?
Yes, she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1980, among many other honors.
Where can I learn more?
Explore more events from September 5 on our daily events page.
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