Mother Teresa's Early Days and Nirmal Hriday

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Questions and Answers

What motivated Mother Teresa to serve the poorest of the poor in India?

A call from the Lord to help the neglected (correct)

A desire to gain recognition as a saint

An obligation due to her family's background

A wish to promote education among the upper classes

What was Archbishop Périer's initial belief about Mother Teresa's efforts?

She would easily attract support and funding

Her efforts would likely fail or she would burn out (correct)

She would predominantly serve the educated middle class

She would find success immediately

What was significant about Mother Teresa's choice to live in Motijhil?

She aimed to reform the education system there

It had multiple centers for religious gatherings

It was home to the wealthiest families in Calcutta

It was a slum where she could share in the poverty (correct)

What does the name 'Motijhil' mean?

Pearl lake Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did Mother Teresa face when she returned to Calcutta in December 1948?

Difficulties in accessing clean drinking water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the description provided about Calcutta?

Living conditions and challenges of the poor Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does the text NOT specifically relate to the experiences of Mother Teresa?

Statistical data on Calcutta's population Signup and view all the answers

What theme is prevalent in the text concerning the poor in Calcutta?

The ongoing struggles and hardships faced by the poor Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Mother Teresa's role from the content provided?

She was a key figure in addressing poverty Signup and view all the answers

How does the text characterize the environment of Calcutta during that period?

As a city grappling with significant poverty and hardship Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the first initiatives Teresa established to support slum children?

An open-air school Signup and view all the answers

In addition to education, what other support did Teresa provide to the children?

Hygienic benefits and medical treatment Signup and view all the answers

How did Teresa teach the alphabet to the children?

By scratching letters into the dust Signup and view all the answers

What resource did the Loreto Sisters provide to aid Teresa in her work?

Furniture and educational materials Signup and view all the answers

Where was the convent that was offered to Teresa located?

Near Motijhil Signup and view all the answers

What inspired Mother Teresa to create the Nirmal Hriday hospice?

A woman's death due to poverty Signup and view all the answers

Where were the initial rooms for the hospice located?

Attached to a Kali temple Signup and view all the answers

What concern did some individuals have regarding the hospice?

It was a front for religious conversion Signup and view all the answers

How did Mother Teresa respond to criticism from the local population?

By addressing their concerns in their own language Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of establishing the Nirmal Hriday hospice?

To provide a place for the dying Signup and view all the answers

What was Mother Teresa's initial goal in her work?

To help people find God regardless of their faith Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motive behind establishing the House of the Dying?

To offer dignity and love to the marginalized Signup and view all the answers

What year did Mother Teresa open Nirmala Shishu Bhavan?

1955 Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did Dalit women face that led to high abortion rates?

Lack of resources and support for raising children Signup and view all the answers

What did Mother Teresa believe was the worst pain for individuals?

Loneliness and being overlooked by society Signup and view all the answers

What year did Mother Teresa receive canonical recognition for her work?

1950 Signup and view all the answers

What was the fourth vow taken by the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity focused on?

Serving the impoverished Signup and view all the answers

What was prohibited for the Sisters while treating patients with sores?

Wearing gloves Signup and view all the answers

Who helped Mother Teresa draft the constitution for the Missionaries of Charity?

Father Van Exem Signup and view all the answers

What was expected of the Sisters in their service to others?

Joyful service Signup and view all the answers

What was Subhasini Das's name after joining the Missionaries of Charity?

Sister Agnes Signup and view all the answers

How did Mother Teresa respond to Subhasini's arrival at her door?

She expressed concern about the difficulty of the life. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the girls make upon joining Mother Teresa?

They switched to wearing humble cotton saris. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the families of the girls who joined Mother Teresa?

They were supportive of their daughters' choices. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mother Teresa do after Subhasini declared her intention to join?

She prayed and expressed gratitude to God. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main challenges faced by the Missionaries of Charity in their work with the dying in India?

Opposition and suspicion from local Hindus. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mother Teresa respond to the hostile mob during their confrontation?

She confronted them with a gesture of peace. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mother Teresa emphasize about the Missionaries' approach to conversion?

They focused on serving others rather than forcing conversion. Signup and view all the answers

What was one method St. Teresa of Calcutta used to help orphaned children support themselves?

She ensured they were taught trades. Signup and view all the answers

How did St. Teresa of Calcutta fund the care of orphans?

By inviting sponsors to support individual orphans. Signup and view all the answers

What was one unexpected support that Mother Teresa received from local individuals?

Monthly supplies of cigarettes from a local businessman. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did confrontations with the mob have on the Missionaries' work over time?

They formed strong relationships with high caste volunteers. Signup and view all the answers

What significant health concern faced slum dwellers in Calcutta?

Leprosy as a major health issue. Signup and view all the answers

What action did St. Teresa take in response to the suffering of lepers?

She initiated fund-raising efforts to provide medication. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the partition of India and Pakistan have on Calcutta's slums?

It caused an influx of lepers into the slums. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key source of support for Mother Teresa's ministries in Calcutta?

Aid from the Indian government Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Mother Teresa to support the Dalits?

Her personal encounters with women dying on the street Signup and view all the answers

How did Mother Teresa begin her ministry?

Through focused prayer and participation in the Eucharist Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the events of 1947 have on Mother Teresa's work in India?

Challenges in securing government aid and resources Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant method by which Mother Teresa expanded her work?

Acquiring buildings through government legislation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Days

In India, Catholic missionaries mainly focused on educating the middle class, neglecting the poorest Dalits.
Mother Teresa wanted to serve the poorest and live among them, sharing their poverty.
Archbishop Périer, initially skeptical, gave her a one-year probationary period.
Mother Teresa settled in Motijhil, a Calcutta slum, where she'd lived before joining the Loreto Sisters.
Motijhil, meaning "pearl lake," was named for the polluted water that surrounded the slum.
Potable water was scarce in the area.

The Nirmal Hriday Hospice

A woman died in the streets due to poverty, and was refused admission to a hospital.
This event motivated Mother Teresa to establish a place for the dying.
A small hut was initially rented, but it was too small for the slum's large population.
Mother Teresa requested a larger building from the government and sought help from bureaucrats.
Two rooms attached to a Kali temple were found suitable for a hospice.
Locals initially feared the hospice was a front for converting Hindus and Muslims, leading to resistance.
Mother Teresa, fluent in Bengali, reassured them, emphasizing her Indian identity.
The rooms were cleaned and the "Nirmal Hriday" hospice was opened.

Teresa's Early Work in Motijhil

Mother Teresa initially focused on her Loreto ministry of educating children.
She established an open-air school for slum children, teaching them the alphabet.
Beyond basic education, she offered hygienic benefits to children, including cleaning and treating wounds.
She was offered a second-floor convent in Alfred Gomes' home, near Motijhil.
The Loreto Sisters provided a bed and materials for a desk, bookshelf, and altar, all made from discarded crates.
Mother Teresa found her first companion during the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, ending her loneliness.

The House of the Dying

Missionaries of Charity faced suspicion and opposition for their work with the dying, particularly Dalits.
The Missionaries' efforts to convert Hindus were met with hostility, including stone-throwing mobs.
Mother Teresa affirmed that their purpose was not forced conversion, but showing love and care.
They practiced evangelizing through service, encouraging conversion by seeking a priest.
Despite welcoming attitude, there were periods of intense distrust and aggression towards the Missionaries.
During confrontations, a mob threw bricks and stones at the House of the Dying.
Mother Teresa peacefully confronted them, saying "Kill me if you want to, but do not disturb those inside."
Her bravery deflated the mob, establishing trust with Hindu neighbors and volunteers over time.
A local businessman, touched by Mother Teresa's work, sent monthly supplies of cigarettes to patients and sought her blessing.

Early Days of Mother Teresa's Work

Mother Teresa's primary goal was not conversion, but helping people find God, regardless of their religion.
She aimed to help individuals become better versions of themselves through faith.
She established the House of the Dying to provide dignity to the marginalized.
She wanted those nearing death to experience love and belonging, not being "invisible".
She believed loneliness was the worst pain.
In 1955, she opened Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, an orphanage for parentless children and pregnant women.
The orphanage provided shelter and support, addressing high mortality rates and poor living conditions for children in the slums.

ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA

Orphanage Care

Mother Teresa ensured that surviving children were trained in trades to support themselves.
She invited sponsors worldwide to support individual orphans.
Surrogate parents contributed funds for the children, stored and given to them upon leaving the orphanage.

Calcutta Slums

The Nirmala Shishu Bhavan orphanage quickly became overcrowded.
The Bengali government assisted in establishing additional orphanages for the growing need.

Health Conditions

Slum dwellers faced numerous illnesses due to unsanitary conditions and malnutrition.
Leprosy was a significant health concern, causing physical and social suffering.
The partition of India and Pakistan resulted in an influx of lepers into Calcutta's slums, worsening their situation.

Compassion and Action

Mother Teresa was moved by the suffering lepers, recognizing their physical and spiritual hardship.
She initiated fundraising efforts to provide medication and address their needs.

Subhasini Das and Mother Teresa

Subhasini Das, a former student of Teresa's, joined the Missionaries of Charity as Sister Agnes.
She stayed with Mother Teresa for the rest of her life.
Teresa recalled Subhasini's arrival with gratitude, describing how she had come to join her work.
The arrival of more aspirants, joining Mother Teresa's work, was a sign of God's promise, according to Teresa.
The girls gave up their expensive saris for humble cotton ones, embracing the challenges of their work.
Joining Mother Teresa required sacrifice from both the aspirants and their families.

Mother Teresa's Life and Work

In 1949, Mother Teresa became a citizen of India.
She petitioned the Vatican for recognition of her work after her probationary year ended.
Father Van Exem helped draft the constitution for the Missionaries of Charity, and the Vatican granted recognition in 1950.
The Sisters took final vows to poverty, chastity, obedience, and charity in 1953, with the fourth vow emphasizing service to the poor.
Mother Teresa believed the Missionaries of Charity were dedicated to serving the suffering Christ.
Sisters were forbidden to wear gloves when treating patients with open sores, believing they were touching Christ's flesh.
Lepers were treated with utmost respect and joy was expected even in difficult situations.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Early Ministry

Mother Teresa's ministry began with a deep prayer life and Eucharist.
She worked with energetic young women, and her mission grew rapidly.
Schools and buildings were established to accommodate the increasing number of students.
Some buildings were donated, while others were acquired using Indian legislation requiring facilities for every 100 students.

Indian Government Support

The Indian government supported Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity with aid, often due to complex circumstances.
The 1947 independence, ensuing conflict, and Gandhi's assassination led to financial and political problems in India.
This resulted in limited government resources for social reforms, but Mother Teresa's ministries were welcomed and supported.
The government assisted the Missionaries of Charity in providing assistance to the Dalits in Motijhil.

Personal Encounter

Mother Teresa's motivation for her work often stemmed from personal encounters.
Witnessing women dying on the streets spurred her to support the Dalits, emphasizing the personal connections that drove her actions.

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Description

This quiz explores the formative years of Mother Teresa in India, including her mission to serve the poorest communities and the establishment of the Nirmal Hriday hospice. Learn about her challenges, motivations, and the impact of her work in Calcutta's slums.