Mother Teresa of Kolkata an Untold Story

                                                            Fr. Dr. Stephen Kachappilly Cap

 

Mother Teresa, renowned for her works in Calcutta (now Kolkata), is a widely recognized figure of social service. She is known for her deep compassion and selfless service to the poor and sick and has many inspiring stories that highlight her remarkable life. However, like many influential figures, there are lesser-known or "unknown" stories about her life that reveal her extraordinary compassion and personal struggles. Here are a few lesser-known or intriguing aspects of her life:

 

1.      The Early Decision to Serve the Poor: Mother Teresa's journey to her mission was not sudden or easy. Born in Albania, she had a deep religious calling from an early age. At just 12 years old, she felt a call to become a nun and devote her life to serving God. She joined the Sisters of Loreto at 18, but her real transformation occurred in 1946, during a train journey from Calcutta to Darjeeling, where she felt a "call within a call" to leave her convent work and serve the poor in the slums of Calcutta. This moment is not as widely known as her later work, but it marked the beginning of her transformation into the figure she is remembered as today.

 

2.      The First Missionaries of Charity: When Mother Teresa started her Missionaries of Charity, she had very little. She began by walking the streets of Calcutta, searching for the dying, the sick, and the abandoned. There’s a touching story about the first few women who joined her in this mission. They were not rich, and many came from humble backgrounds, but they shared a deep sense of purpose and love. Together, they took in the most destitute people—those who had no one else. Mother Teresa once said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” It was this simple yet profound philosophy that guided their work, one person at a time.

3.      The Struggle with Her Doubts: While many viewed Mother Teresa as an embodiment of unwavering faith, she privately struggled with doubts about her own faith. In personal letters to friends and spiritual advisors, she admitted that she felt disconnected from God for much of her life, especially after starting her Missionaries of Charity. She called this experience "the darkness." Despite these doubts, she continued her mission, often putting on a brave face and continuing her work even when she felt spiritually empty.

4.      Focus on the "Untouchables" and the Story of a Beggar: One of the lesser-known aspects of her work is how Mother Teresa specifically targeted the most marginalized communities, particularly the "untouchables" of Indian society, who were often discriminated against due to their caste. She viewed their suffering as particularly egregious, and her Missionaries of Charity specifically worked to care for those at the very bottom of the social ladder. This work challenged not only the societal norms of India but also the international perception of the poor. One of the most famous stories about Mother Teresa comes from her time in Calcutta, where she worked with the poorest of the poor. One day, a man who was covered in open sores and filth, an "untouchable" by caste standards, was brought to her. She took him in her arms and said, "I see Jesus in this poor man." The man had been ignored by society, but to Mother Teresa, he was a person of immense dignity and worth. She gave him care and love, showing the world that everyone deserves respect, no matter their social or economic status.

5.      The "Gift" of the Dying Man: A story that illustrates Mother Teresa’s belief in finding joy in serving others is the one where she cared for a man who was brought to one of her homes for the dying. He had been abandoned in a public place and was not expected to survive for long. When Mother Teresa visited him, he smiled at her, even though he was very weak. She said he had “given her a gift,” and it was his smile. For Mother Teresa, it wasn’t about the grand gestures; it was in those small, human moments that she found the greatest beauty.

6.      Unconventional Approach to Medicine: Mother Teresa and her organization were sometimes criticized for their approach to healthcare, particularly the lack of modern medical treatment in the homes for the dying that she established. While her commitment to alleviating suffering was unquestionable, her critics have pointed out that many patients in her care were often not given adequate medical care or pain relief. Mother Teresa, however, believed in providing "care with love," emphasizing compassion over conventional medical interventions. This approach led to a significant divide in opinions about her legacy.

7.      The Nobel Peace Prize Incident: When Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, she used the occasion to draw attention to the world’s suffering. In her acceptance speech, she focused on the poor and abandoned, saying that the greatest form of poverty was not material, but spiritual. "We do not need bombs and guns, to bring peace. We need love and compassion." She wasn’t concerned with the spotlight; rather, she was intent on making sure the world saw the forgotten and overlooked.

8.      Connection with Princess Diana: Another lesser-known story is the deep bond Mother Teresa shared with Princess Diana of Wales. In 1997, shortly before Princess Diana’s tragic death, the two met in Calcutta, where Diana was deeply moved by the work of Mother Teresa. Diana, already known for her charity work, spent time with the Missionaries of Charity and later said that the visit was one of the most profound experiences of her life. The two shared a deep respect for one another, and Diana was inspired by Mother Teresa's humility and commitment to service.

9.      Sense of Humor: Mother Teresa is often portrayed as serious and somber, especially in media representations. However, those who knew her personally have described her as having a surprising sense of humor. She had a playful side and would occasionally tell jokes, which lightened the atmosphere even in the most difficult of circumstances. She believed laughter could be a form of healing, and those around her appreciated her lighthearted moments.

10.  International Influence: Despite her work in Calcutta gaining attention, it wasn’t until the 1970s and beyond that her reputation truly began to spread internationally. Before then, the Missionaries of Charity operated quietly, with the majority of her work being relatively unknown to the broader world. The media started to pay attention after she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, but her life’s work was in many ways a gradual, unheralded process of building a network of care for the poor and sick.

11.  Resistance to Criticism: Mother Teresa often faced criticism for her approach to suffering, her stance on abortion, and her refusal to align with more "progressive" movements. However, she remained steadfast in her beliefs, resisting pressure to compromise on issues like abortion and contraception. She even faced accusations of proselytizing (attempting to convert people to Christianity), which she denied, stating that her mission was purely one of love and care. Her determination to hold fast to her principles made her a polarizing figure—admired by many, but also controversial.

These lesser-known stories offer a more nuanced view of Mother Teresa—one that shows her humanity, complexities, and the personal and spiritual struggles she endured while fulfilling her calling. Her life, while focused on service, was also a journey of profound inner reflection and resilience. Her legacy continues to inspire people worldwide to show kindness, compassion, and love for those who are most in need. Each story serves as a reminder of how one person's dedication can create a ripple effect that changes the world.