Missionaries of Charity

Roman Catholic religious congregation founded by Mother Teresa in 1950 to serve the poorest of the poor worldwide; known for its white-and-blue habit, simple vows and global network of homes and services.

Overview

The Missionaries of Charity are a Roman Catholic religious congregation established to care for people living in extreme poverty and distress. Founded by Mother Teresa, the community began as a small group working in the slums of Kolkata in India and expanded into an international organization. The congregation belongs to the Roman Catholic Church and follows the Latin rite tradition. Its foundation date is commonly given as 7 October 1950.

Origins and development

Mother Teresa launched the Missionaries of Charity after leaving a teaching role to work among the city's poorest residents. She began with a small group of companions—often cited as twelve companions at the start—who shared her commitment to live simply and serve those neglected by society. Over the following decades the congregation grew, establishing houses and centers in many countries. Members include sisters, and later related branches and affiliated male communities and priests worked in parallel to extend the congregation's outreach.

Organization, vows and habit

Members are lay religious sisters who take the traditional vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, together with a distinctive fourth vow committing them to give "wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor." The sisters identify themselves with the initials "M.C." and wear a simple white sari trimmed with blue, the habit first worn by Mother Teresa and now recognized worldwide.

Activities and works

The Missionaries of Charity operate hospices, orphanages, leprosy clinics, mobile feeding programs, rehabilitation centers and schools, focusing on the sick, dying, destitute, and marginalized. Their houses range from small neighborhood centers to larger homes able to offer medical care and shelter. Typical activities include:

home-based care for the terminally ill and dying;
care and placement services for abandoned children and orphans;
outreach to people affected by leprosy and chronic illness;
food distribution, basic education and community assistance.

Distinctive features and legacy

The congregation is widely known for its focus on direct, hands-on care, its simple visible habit, and its emphasis on personal contact with those it serves. The Missionaries of Charity have been both celebrated for their charitable work and the subject of scrutiny typical for large international religious movements; nevertheless, their global presence and the example of their founder have made them a significant organization in modern Catholic social action. As a religious order, they continue to draw members and volunteers from many countries, maintaining houses and projects that reflect their founding purpose.

Active members identify publicly with the congregation’s initials, "M.C.", and live according to the community’s rule. The sisters combine traditional religious commitment with practical care, guided by vows and the congregation’s focus on serving those with the greatest need. While their work centers on poverty and illness, they also participate in local social programs and cooperate with other aid agencies and church structures to expand their reach.

For further reading and resources, see local diocesan records and reputable church summaries that describe the congregation’s history and current ministries, including official material linked by church agencies and charitable registries.