August 5

SAINT TERESA OF KOLKATA

b.1910 - d.1997

St. Teresa was born in what was Kosovo, and joined the order of the Sisters of Loreto (Ireland) when she was 18 years old. The order sent her to work as a teacher in Kolkata (formally Calcutta). But following a mystical encounter with Jesus, and responding to His request, she founded the order of the Missionaries of Charity. She and her members ministered to the poorest of India.

Did you know?

From when she began ministry to her death, St. Teresa lived without spiritual consolations. She experienced what St. John of the Cross called "darkness" -- God removed from St. Teresa the sense of His presence. She accepted this cross as participating in Jesus's "thirst" for souls.

A family tradition...

If possible, consider sponsoring a child through a reputable foundation, like Chalice or Children Believe.