(1910-1997) Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, the “Saint of the Gutters,” was born in Skopje, Albania. Her participation in a youth group opened her to considering a call to service as a missionary nun. Agnes joined the Sisters of Loreto at eighteen, taking the name Teresa, and taught high school in Calcutta, India. She left the convent at 38 to work with the poor and two years later, in 1950, founded the Missionaries of Charity to serve the poorest of the poor.
“It was to Jesus himself, hidden under the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor, that her service was directed. Mother Teresa highlights the deepest meaning of service — an act of love done to the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, prisoners (cf. Matthew 25: 34-36) is done to Jesus himself” (Pope Saint John Paul II, beatification homily, October 19, 2003). How are we being of service (acts of love done to Jesus) in recovery?
“Let anyone who comes to you go away feeling better and happier. Everyone should see goodness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile. Joy shows from the eyes. It appears when we speak and walk. It cannot be kept closed inside us. It reacts outside. Joy is very infectious” (Saint Teresa of Calcutta).
Reflection by Brad Farmer