The Missionaries of Charity is a Catholic religious congregation founded in Calcutta on October 7, 1950, by Mother Teresa, an Albanian nun who had previously been a member of the Sisters of Loreto congregation. This congregation, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, has become synonymous with the commitment to the most destitute and marginalized in society. With approximately five thousand nuns spread across one hundred and thirty-two countries, the Missionaries of Charity are currently under the leadership of Sister Mary Prema as their Superior General.
The history of this congregation began in 1948 when Mother Teresa decided to leave her original congregation, the Sisters of Loreto, to establish a new order. In 1949, she was joined by a former cook from St. Mary's School and one of her former students, Subashini Das. Thus, the Missionaries of Charity came into existence, with the primary objective of aiding the most destitute and vulnerable.
As early as August 22, 1952, the Sisters opened the Kalighat Home for the Dying, a facility dedicated to caring for the most impoverished and dying in Calcutta. This marked the beginning of an immeasurable work of compassion and dedication to the less fortunate.
What sets the Missionaries of Charity apart from other religious congregations, in addition to the traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, is a fourth vow: to serve the poorest of the poor, those who cannot repay anything in return. Mother Teresa deliberately restricted her sisters' work to a category of individuals who were particularly marginalized, disfigured, or rejected by society. This approach is deeply rooted in the desire to identify with Jesus, who was abandoned by his own, the one who "emptied himself, taking the form of a slave" (Philippians 2:7).
The vow of poverty occupies a central place in the life and spirituality of the Missionaries of Charity. For them, poverty is not just material deprivation; it is also a form of freedom. The nuns strive to teach novices that poverty, whether spiritual or material, is freedom. They believe that once one understands the true nature of poverty, spiritual progress can be achieved through faith in Jesus and the Eucharist.
The Missionaries of Charity's commitment to the poorest extends far beyond the borders of Calcutta. Their efforts have touched millions of people worldwide, bringing a glimmer of hope and solace to society's forgotten. The legacy of Mother Teresa and her congregation continues to inspire generations of believers and non-believers alike, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion, dedication, and chosen poverty in the service of the most vulnerable in our world.
Fennec, Public domain, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missionnaires_de_la_Charit%C3%A9#/media/Fichier:Sisters_of_Charity.jpg
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