Teresa of Calcutta: Serving the Poorest of the Poor

D. Jeanenne Watson did a masterful job of writing this biography of Mother Teresa, one of the best known nuns in all the world.  Starting with Teresa's youth and progressing through her novitiate, training, final vows and teaching.  But growing up dreaming of helping in India did not include teaching the upper crust girls of India's elite. 

Sister Teresa wanted to help the poor people that lived in the slums of India, those who were ignored everyday and considered less than human.  But to do so she had to break through not just barriers in the Catholic church but also the caste system that existed and still exists in India today.  While not easy to do, she took the steps necessary to create a new order of nuns dedicated solely to the care of the poor. 

While most of us would think starting a charity is not that hard, leaving an order of nuns is definitely not an easy thing to do.  Especially not when one wants to leave a cloister (home for nuns away from the public) and live among the public.  Before the middle 1960's this was simply not a normal situation for nuns and required permission from the Pope.  Although Sister Teresa was hopeful, she could not know for sure that she would be allowed to start her own order until the approval came through.   Eventually the letter came through with strict requirements for the order to grow and retain new members over a 10 year period or the order would be disbanded.   Nothing like serious stress to provide incentive.   Whether it is luck, incentive or just a gift from God, Sister Teresa soon has numerous young women clamoring to join her order and help the poorest of the poor.  

Mother Teresa, as she becomes as the head of the order, sets a wonderful example for the people around her and those who can only read of her great works and gifts.  Nothing was ever impossible for her and she never gave up on something she knew needed to be done.  

This biography is riveting yet at times, emotionally overwhelming.  A choice selection for school work, personal or enrichment reading, everyone can learn something from the story of Mother Teresa, her early years and her determination to make life a little better for the poorest of the poor.

Age range: 9 to 12 years old

Watson, D. J., & Lawson, R. (1984). Teresa of Calcutta: serving the poorest of the poor. Milford, Mich.: Mott Media.