Mother Teresa lived from 1910 - 1997. During her lifetime, she was a world figure. She felt destined to be a nun, and left home at age 18 for Ireland to join the Sisters of Loreto Abbey. She then went to India where she taught school for nearly twenty years. She remained in India for her entire life. One one website, her occupation is listed as "Saint".
She experienced what she termed "the call within the call" on September 10th, 1946, and began missionary work with the poor two years later. She begged for food and supplies and lived among the poor. She received Vatican permission for the diocesan congregation which became the Missionaries of Charity. This grew to 450 brothers and 5,000 sisters worldwide, operating 600 missions, school and shelters in 120 countries. The charity work was focused on hospices, orphanages and leper houses throughout India.
She was first recognized by the Indian government in 1962 and received numerous awards from the government. She received international Peace Awards and other recognitions. She received the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. Her great contributions have received criticisms and there is controversy over her missions. There is also controversy about the miracle and canonization.
What is remarkable is the number of amazing quotes attributed to her. There are hundreds, probably a thousand. So many quotes show up when I research topics.
Here are few about 'smiles':
Let us always meet each other with smile, for the small is the beginning of love.
Peace begins with a smile.
We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family.
I found this emerging fern at the garden centre earlier in the week.
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