Our Foundress

Every fragment of creation on this earth is part of God’s alluring art gallery. It is He who has placed each piece in its perfect place, and among His masterpieces is Mother Teresa, who lived and worked in Madras, now called Chennai.

The year 1858 is one of the most remarkable in the history of Madras, as it welcomed the blessed soul, Grace D’Lima, who was born with grace in her veins. She came into this world on January 29, 1858. Her parents, Peter D’Lima and Mary D’Lima, were devout Catholics. Although Grace lost her mother’s tender care in her early years, she found the love of both parents in her father.

In the same year, India bid farewell to the great Rani of Jhansi, a symbol of courage, boldness, and intellect. It seemed as though the birth of Grace D’Lima was destined to awaken the spirit of humanity in her time, filling the void left behind.

Grace’s father adored her, and she considered him her hero. Like any loving parent, Peter D’Lima wanted the best education for his daughter. He enrolled her in a school run by Irish nuns, who had the privilege of shaping Grace’s character. She grew up in a nurturing environment, blossoming into the best version of herself. Kind and generous, her warmth shone through her engaging smile, making her a beloved figure among her peers.

Grace excelled in her studies, and through this academic journey, she felt the call of God. She was appointed as the Headmistress of a small English-medium school in Alleppey. Under the guidance of the Carmelite Fathers, she gradually felt drawn to religious life and, in 1882, entered this sacred path. During this time, she received spiritual mentorship from Fr. Candidus and Fr. Alphonsus.

The glorious day arrived in 1885 when she took her religious vows, dedicating herself completely to her Divine Beloved. She adopted the name Sister Teresa of St. Rose of Lima.

With the same spirit that had inspired earlier generations of Carmelites to serve, Mother Teresa established her first community on April 24, 1887. She chose Ernakulam as the foundation for her missionary work, as God opened her eyes to the suffering of the people there.

Entrusted with the immense responsibility of ministering to lost humanity, Mother Teresa, with her ever-present smile and compassionate heart, began her work. She reached out to orphans, widows, unwed mothers, the sick, the destitute, the jobless, and all those suffering, offering them shelter under the arch of God’s love and mercy.

Despite facing severe trials, including financial hardships, setbacks, and moments of doubt, Mother Teresa remained steadfast in her faith. Armed with unwavering trust in God’s will and mercy, she persevered. Over the years, her faith grew stronger, guiding the people of Ernakulam from misery, poverty, and illness to a life of hope, health, and freedom.

Mother Teresa dedicated fifteen years to her noble mission in Ernakulam—teaching, preaching, healing, and alleviating suffering. She poured her energies into guiding sinners back to the path of righteousness.

When the time came for her to leave this earthly life, she embraced it with unwavering faith. As she breathed her last on September 12, 1902, at 3 a.m. in Mangapatnam, she submitted to God’s will with these words:

“With unwavering confidence in the ever-watchful care of God’s providence, I bow in submission and say, ‘Thy Holy will be done.’”

Just as every soul longs for its soulmate, this great soul found her perfect companion in Jesus Christ, becoming one with Him by living the Gospel values.