Mother Teresa: Albania's Gift to the World
Born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje to Albanian parents, Mother Teresa became one of the 20th century's most revered humanitarian figures, dedicating her life to serving the poorest of the poor.
By Archive Editorial · 28 February 1997
Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje (now North Macedonia) to Albanian parents Nikola and Dranafile Bojaxhiu. She remains one of the most celebrated Albanians in history and a global symbol of compassion and selfless service.
She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, in 1950. The congregation grew from 13 members to over 4,000 sisters operating in 123 countries, running homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis, soup kitchens, children's and family counselling programs, and schools.
Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She was canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis in 2016, cementing her legacy as one of history's great humanitarian figures and a source of immense pride for the Albanian people worldwide.