2010 - Mother Teresa Birth Centenary | Commemorative Coin

The 4th commemorative coin for the year 2010 was released on occasion of the Birth Centenary of Mother Teresa.

Mother Teresa (26 August 1910 – 5 September 1997), originally named Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was a Catholic nun with Albanian roots who attained Indian citizenship. In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, dedicating over 45 years to ministering to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying. Her leadership saw the expansion of the Missionaries of Charity's reach, initially across India and later extending to numerous countries. Posthumously, Pope John Paul II beatified her, bestowing the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

During the 1970s, Mother Teresa gained international recognition for her humanitarian endeavors and advocacy for the rights of the impoverished and vulnerable. Her impactful work was extensively captured by Malcolm Muggeridge in the documentary "Something Beautiful for God" and the subsequent book. Throughout her lifetime, the Missionaries of Charity, under her guidance, flourished, boasting 610 missions in 123 countries at the time of her passing. These missions encompassed hospices and homes for those with HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis, as well as soup kitchens, children's and family counseling programs, orphanages, and schools.

Mother Teresa's compassionate efforts inspired governments, charitable organizations, and notable individuals worldwide. She received numerous awards, including recognition from the Indian Government, notably the Bharat Ratna in 1980, and international accolades such as the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Despite her widespread acclaim, she faced criticism from figures such as atheist Christopher Hitchens, cultural critic Michael Parenti, Indian-English Medical Doctor Aroup Chatterjee, and the Vishva Hindu Parishad. Critics accused her of proselytizing, vehemently opposing contraception and abortion, advocating for the spiritual benefits of poverty, and allegedly performing 'secret baptisms of the dying.'

On the centenary of her birth in 2010, Mother Teresa was honored globally, with Indian President Pratibha Patil commending her work and legacy.

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