Mother Teresa's Early Life and Mission

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was Anjezë's initial perception of her missionary work?

She realized it would be far more challenging than she expected. (correct)

She found it to be exactly as she had imagined.

She felt completely prepared for the experience.

She was immediately inspired by the local culture.

What shocking sight influenced Anjezë's perception of Indian poverty in Madras?

A Hindu funeral with mourners painting the deceased's face. (correct)

Children playing in the streets.

A market bustling with people.

A traditional festival celebration.

How did the bustling city of Calcutta affect Anjezë and her companion upon arrival?

They felt an immediate sense of belonging.

They were disappointed by the city's lack of activity.

They were overwhelmed by the population density and noise. (correct)

They quickly adapted to the environment.

What was the main mission of the Loreto Sisters at the Darjeeling novitiate?

Teaching in the attached school Signup and view all the answers

What was Anjezë's situation before arriving in Calcutta?

She spent nearly seven weeks on a ship before reaching Calcutta. Signup and view all the answers

Which language did Anjezë NOT learn while at the Darjeeling novitiate?

Spanish Signup and view all the answers

Which emotion best describes Anjezë's feelings upon witnessing poverty in Madras?

Shock and horror. Signup and view all the answers

At what age did Anjezë take her initial vows?

20 Signup and view all the answers

Why was Anjezë nicknamed 'Bengali Teresa'?

For her fluency in the Bengali language Signup and view all the answers

Which saint inspired Anjezë to change her name upon taking her initial vows?

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Thérèse of Lisieux's work?

Missionary work among the poor Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to both Thérèse of Lisieux and Anjezë being canonized?

Their significance in the Roman Catholic Church Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics did both Thérèse of Lisieux and Anjezë share?

They both lost a parent during their youth Signup and view all the answers

What nickname was given to Thérèse of Lisieux reflecting her personality?

Little Flower Signup and view all the answers

How long after her death was Thérèse of Lisieux canonized as a saint?

28 years Signup and view all the answers

What name did St. Teresa of Calcutta choose for herself after her baptism?

Teresa of the Little Flower Signup and view all the answers

Where was Teresa sent shortly after taking her religious vows?

Loreto Orphanage and School in Entally Signup and view all the answers

What subjects did Sister Teresa teach at St. Mary's School?

History and Geography Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of the neighborhood surrounding the Loreto compound?

Primarily inhabited by the Dalits Signup and view all the answers

What did the high walls surrounding the Loreto compound help to protect against?

The daily noise from the streets Signup and view all the answers

What role did Sister Teresa primarily focus on during her working days?

Teaching and helping children Signup and view all the answers

What was Sister Teresa's attitude towards her work at the Loreto school?

Joyful and conscientious Signup and view all the answers

What did Sister Teresa question about the effectiveness of education for Dalit children?

Whether it could sufficiently address their poverty Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in Sister Teresa's location after four years?

She was reassigned to a school near impoverished communities Signup and view all the answers

How did witnessing extreme poverty affect Sister Teresa?

It filled her with anguish and concern Signup and view all the answers

What did Mother Teresa express in her letter to Fr. Jambrekovic regarding her dedication?

A desire to be wholly devoted to Jesus Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor did Mother Teresa often use to describe her spiritual longing?

The chalice Signup and view all the answers

What shift did Mother Teresa experience shortly after taking her final vows?

She left the Loreto compound to work in the Calcutta slums Signup and view all the answers

What was a key theme in Mother Teresa's writings that reflected her experiences in service?

The thirst for love and compassion Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Mother Teresa's later life shows a significant transformation from her past?

Her shift from Loreto to living among the poor Signup and view all the answers

What motivated St. Teresa of Calcutta to provide companionship to the poor during her early visits?

A deep-seated need for love and dignity among the impoverished Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant influence that shaped St. Teresa's commitment to the poor?

Her mother's dedicated care for a woman in need Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects of St. Teresa's work was notably impactful on the poor she served?

Treating them with compassion and respect Signup and view all the answers

In what year did St. Teresa begin visiting the poor in the Loreto compound?

1937 Signup and view all the answers

What consistent reaction did St. Teresa observe from the poor she visited?

Profound gratitude for being treated with compassion Signup and view all the answers

What vow did Mother Teresa make in April 1942?

To serve God with utmost dedication Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of wartime poverty in Calcutta?

It fueled existing religious animosities between Hindus and Muslims. Signup and view all the answers

Which role did Mother Teresa take on after the war?

An effective and dedicated administrator for a temporary school Signup and view all the answers

How did India's independence in 1947 affect religious relations?

It exacerbated power struggles between Muslims and Hindus. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Mother Teresa's vow demonstrated its seriousness?

It was made under mortal sin to emphasize her dedication. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of World War II on the education system in Calcutta?

The evacuation of Loreto students and teachers to form a military hospital. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Mother Teresa take on during the war years?

Principal of a temporary school for relocated students. Signup and view all the answers

Which event in 1943 significantly impacted the population of Calcutta?

A nationwide famine caused by crop-ruining storms. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mother Teresa often obtain resources for her students during the wartime shortages?

Through asking merchants and army quartermasters for donations. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Japanese occupation of Burma have on India during World War II?

A blockade that cut off rice imports and worsened food shortages. Signup and view all the answers

What event led to widespread violence in Calcutta in 1946?

Direct Action Day Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Direct Action Day on Mother Teresa?

It caused her emotional and physical deterioration. Signup and view all the answers

How many people were estimated to be killed during the riots of Direct Action Day?

4,000 to 8,000 Signup and view all the answers

Who declared Direct Action Day and called for the partitioning of India?

Muhammad Ali Jinnah Signup and view all the answers

Which group did Mother Teresa reach out to for support during the violence?

Indian troops Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Life and Missionary Dreams

Anjezë (later known as Mother Teresa) dreamt of being a missionary in a foreign country
Her initial experiences in Madras, India, with poverty and a Hindu funeral were shocking
At the age of 18, Anjezë and a fellow postulant sailed from Ireland to Calcutta, India, a densely populated area

Loreto Novitiate and Early Influences

The Loreto Novitiate was a British colony in the Himalayas, a popular resort town with a cooler climate
Anjezë immersed herself in learning Bengali and Hindi, becoming fluent in both languages
She took her vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in 1931 at the age of 20, choosing the name Sister Mary Teresa of the Child Jesus
She was inspired by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, who had been canonized only 3 years earlier

Early Years at the Loreto Compound

Sister Teresa was initially assigned to teach geography and history at a Loreto school in Entally, Calcutta
The Loreto compound was a large, walled complex containing a school and an orphanage, serving hundreds of children
She witnessed the poverty, squalor, and disease in Entally and the struggles of the Dalit people (the “untouchables”)
Sister Teresa felt deeply saddened by the difficult lives of the poor and questioned the effectiveness of education alone in solving their problems

The Impact of World War II

The war disrupted life in India, especially for the poor
Calcutta was spared major combat but experienced air raids.
Buildings, including the Loreto compound, were requisitioned for military use
Students and teachers were evacuated to the country, with 300 students temporarily accommodated near the compound
Sister Teresa was appointed principal of the temporary school, facing shortages of resources and food
1943 saw a devastating famine in India due to crop failures and increased food demands for soldiers, leading to extreme poverty and suffering in Calcutta

Mother Teresa’s Vow and Service

Mother Teresa made a private vow to God in 1942, dedicating her life to serving Him and promising to do whatever He asked
She continued her teaching and administrative work at Loreto, demonstrating her dedication and effectiveness
Social tensions between Hindus and Muslims intensified during the war years

The Violence of Direct Action Day

The Muslim League declared "Direct Action Day" on August 16, 1946, aiming to partition India into Muslim and Hindu nations
Riots erupted in Calcutta, resulting in a massacre of 4,000 to 8,000 people, 15,000 injured, and 100,000 homeless
Mother Teresa witnessed the horrors of the riots and provided food for her students
Her health deteriorated, and she was deeply affected by the tragedy

A Spiritual Journey

Mother Teresa felt a deep desire to serve Jesus and to “drink the chalice to the last drop”
This thirst for love and service became a central theme in her writings
She saw Christ in the poor and marginalized, dedicating her life to serving them

Leaving Loreto and a New Direction

Mother Teresa’s life and work shifted away from the Loreto compound and towards the Calcutta slums shortly after taking her final vows
This marked a significant change in her life, setting the stage for her future work among the poorest of the poor

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the early life of Mother Teresa, from her dreams of becoming a missionary to her initial experiences in India. Delve into her formation at the Loreto Novitiate and the influences that shaped her journey as she embraced her calling. Learn about her language acquisition and the beginnings of her dedication to teaching and service.