By Noah Brasseur
Mother Teresa is perhaps one of the most well known of contemporary saints, and for good reason.
Officially known by the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, she was renowned for her dedication to the poor and charitable works.
She had many notable acts throughout her life. In one instance, she is credited with saving 37 children who were trapped in a warzone. During a standoff between the Israeli military and Palestinian rebels, a large gathering of children had been trapped near the frontline.
Mother Teresa was able to successfully negotiate a ceasefire between the opposing parties, long enough for herself and the Red Cross to evacuate the kids.
Additionally, she cared for victims for radiation poisoning in the Chernobyl meltdown.
Mother Teresa would found what became known as the Missionaries of Charity. The group was to the least of society, including “the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers,” and several others.
Her centers did not discriminate. Despite being a Christian organization, those who were dying in their care had their religions respected. For example, Muslims were read verses from the Quran.
She also opened centers that housed lepers so that they could be medicated and fed, and provided housing to and fed homeless children.
For her efforts she was honored with a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
