Mother Teresa

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (August 27, 1910 – September 5, 1997) Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta was an Albanian Catholic nun who founded the Missionaries of Charity. Her work among the poor of Kolkata (Calcutta) made her one of the world's most famous people, and it is widely expected she will quickly be canonized.

Teresa was awarded the Templeton Prize in 1973, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, and India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna in 1980. She was made an Honorary Citizen of the United States in 1996 (one of only six). She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in October 2003, hence she may be properly called Blessed Teresa by Catholics. She was the first and only person to be featured on an Indian postage stamp while still alive.

Teresa was also known for her books about Christian spirituality and prayer, some of which were written together with her close friend Frère Roger.