By Courtney Mares

Rome Newsroom, Dec 16, 2024 / 14:30 pm

Embracing the true spirit of Christmas, a group of women in Rome gathered on a cold December morning not for their usual Bible study, but to spread joy and love by delivering gifts to a homeless shelter operated by the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by the beloved St. Teresa of Calcutta, also known as Mother Teresa.

Welcomed at the shelter’s entrance by a kind Indian sister in the iconic white sari with blue trim, the women were led into a humble chapel. Inside, a simple tabernacle stood at the center, surrounded by a crucifix and the poignant words “I thirst.” The sister invited them to sit, pray, and then shared words of wisdom.

“Ask the Lord,” she encouraged, “How can I be a channel of peace to people? How can I be a sign of hope to those around me?”

During this season of Advent, marked by hope and anticipation of the Messiah, Christians prepare their hearts for the birth of Christ. It is a time for acts of charity and generosity to bring hope to a world grappling with challenges and deprivation. For the Missionaries of Charity, whose mission is to serve the most marginalized and vulnerable, this commitment goes beyond a seasonal observance—it is a way of life.

The Impact of Acts of Charity

María Teresa Ávila Fuentes, a doctoral student at the Pontifical Academy of St.

The Transformative Power of Charity: A Study of the Missionaries of Charity

María Teresa Ávila Fuentes, a doctoral student at the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, has dedicated years to studying the profound impact of the Missionaries of Charity’s work. In her dissertation, she delves into what she calls the “transformational power of charity.”

Through her research, Fuentes explores how the simple yet profound acts of love carried out by Mother Teresa’s missionaries not only affect the communities they serve but also have a deep impact on the volunteers and laypeople who witness and participate in their work.

Referencing Pope Benedict XVI’s Caritas in Veritate, Fuentes emphasizes the expansive nature of love. She believes that charity, or agape love, has the power to influence not only individual relationships but also societal, cultural, and economic structures.

Fuentes recounts stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by the witness of the Missionaries of Charity. From adopting children to starting NGOs and changing careers, the impact of the sisters’ love and service is far-reaching. Volunteers often attest that witnessing the sisters’ relationships with the poor and experiencing their own interactions with the volunteers are what lead to personal transformation.

The Missionaries of Charity’s radical simplicity and unwavering trust in God’s providence set them apart. They do not engage in fundraising or seek recognition for their work, instead focusing on serving with humility and love.