Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta: A Witness to Love

by Michael J. Ruszala, Wyatt North

While the twentieth century was a a time of turbulence, selfishness, godlessness, and violence, Mother Teresa of Calcutta was a witness to love. She was a clear reminder of the goodness within human nature and the beauty of being truly open to God. ‘Mother’ was her religious title, but as she ascended to the world stage, it became her role for the world—to be like a mother to all, no matter their origins. She was accepting and welcoming towards all people, not only towards the good or the like-minded. She continues to serve as an inspiration to people of all walks of life and all creeds. Where the world was blind to poverty and misery, Mother Teresa led the path to love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Religion, Christian, Amazon, Spirituality, Inspirational

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2017

About the author

Michael J. Ruszala holds an M.A. in Theology & Christian Ministry and a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology summa cum laude from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Michael is the author of several religious books and is an adjunct lecturer in religious studies at Niagara University in Lewiston, NY, where he has taught on Christian Ministry and Popes in the Modern World. Certified as a parish catechetical leader by the Diocese of Buffalo, he served for over five years as Director of Lifelong Faith Formation at a parish within the diocese. He is an active member of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, has served in the past on catechetical committees for the Diocese of Buffalo, and is the recipient of the 2016 Christian Service Award from the Canisius College Sodality of Our Lady in Buffalo. Michael has been published in religious journals including the Social Justice Review, the Catholic Social Science Review, Lay Witness online edition, and the Great Adventure Bible Blog by Ascension Press. In addition to his work, Michael has interests in music, art, tennis, and kayaking. Please visit www.michaeljruszala.com for more information.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was bought for my Catholic wife to read. She read it twice!

[Bruce Stopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice introduction to Mother Teresa, but very poor editing by the publisher. Here's an example from Page 75: "Mother Teresa was also an outspoken against abortion."

[Lucie HAND · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it's a short book, it covers her childhood through her death in somewhat giant leaps, but gives a good overview of her life. Explains well her love and desire to help the poorest of the poor, how she started her ministry at the beginning, with struggles and little help, but through perseverance moved right along in making progress to help so many abandoned, sickly, dying people. I listened to parts and read parts. The reader is a bit flawed, doesn't pronounce all words correctly, but it's good enough. Apparently not that much is known of her childhood, and when she became famous, her brother added some information. Very interesting. She was an amazing woman born with a strong vocation to follow Jesus Christ and bring souls unto him, and to take care of his poorest of the poor. Very touching as it explains her feelings and beliefs about Jesus and her vocation.

[Ron W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a concise biography of the life of Mother Teresa, from her birth in eastern Europe to her death in India, close to the people she cared so much for. The author does a good job in detailing the major events in the life of Mother Teresa. After reading Malcolm Muggeridge's "Something Beautiful for God," I found this text sort of like a companion to that original text. It's not bad, but don't expect too much in the way of details because the author moves from event to event rather rapidly.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another book I wish I could rate with 1/2 stars. I'd give it more of a 3.5, if so. For me, this book started out dreadfully slow and dry. I sat it down for a week or so before picking it back up to read. And while it never became a book that made me feel like I was part of Mother Teresa's life, I did become quite interested and learned a lot of things I never knew. So while it may not have been the most 'enjoyable' book I've ever read - I am glad I read it.

[Marcia Sheer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening, quick and easy read

I did not know much about mother Teresa before I read the book so this was very enlightening. I'm not sure it included much of the controversial issues that I had heard, such as her not being kind to the sisters. Hopefully those times were few compared to the times reported in this book of her being kind and fun-loving. She was a light in this world that followed what God asked her to do.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a woman she was! She set out to minister to the poor and became a saint. I had always heard of Mother Teresa but really knew nothing about her. I always thought she was Indian but no. She was born European and became Indian because it helped her with the people she was trying to help. Sometimes she could only be there as they died but it seems she was always there, doing whatever she could. She had to fight for the opportunity to be who God called her to be. Amazing!

[Jenn M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great summary of Mother Teresa’s life, blessedly devoid of “fluff,” telling her story as is and not sugar coating anything.

There were some beautiful insights into who Mother Teresa is, especially regarding the first part of her life. The second half was a little more sparse and fast paced. I would have preferred a little more detail there.

Overall, a good read (though there are quite a few typos). It is not a novel, but the it worked the way it is written. It was what I was looking for.

[Kerrie Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn't know much about Mother Teresa before reading this book. I was curious about her life and why she became a champion for the poorest of the poor. While I did learn quite a bit, the writing was dry and not very engaging. However, if you want a good introduction to Mother Teresa, this book will provide it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair warning: this book is written by a Catholic scholar who is an unabashed fan of Mother Teresa. There is no attempt to be objective. That said, it is a well-researched biography that gives insight into a woman many considered a saint even before her death. To learn that she struggled with her experience of God makes it clear how truly human she was and how extraordinary.

[Loretta Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story of a true inspiration for all.

The author has done an excellent job of telling a story of a woman who had a true love for Jesus and passed it along to the poorest of the poor. She truly lived the life of a saint.

[Nicole Elkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better biographies out there

This is an okay biography. It felt more like a Sunday School lesson than a well researched biography. That said I learned good things and generally enjoyed the read.

[Elizabeth Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Read

It was eye opening to all she accomplished as a nun. The love and fortitude she put out to do many helpless sick and helples souls. She asked and the good Lord heard and was there. For her. Makes one want to reach out and give...

[Caitlin Streit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

Quite enjoyed this little book.i found it inspirational and faith building.!other Teresa was and will always be a voice for the poor and unloved.her great work will continue with GODS grace and mercy.

[Lyndee DeBolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother Teresa, a lover of the poor

I have always held Mother Teresa in high esteem. I enjoyed reading about her life. She loved Jesus and walked out that love in caring for the poor.

[Katie Walshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative Read

Before reading, I didn't know much about Mother Teresa. The book was very interesting and informative. The writing style didn't flow well, but the book overall was very well structured.

[latricia y. roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Wow, after reading this book it made me love Mother Teresa even more. She is indeed a woman that lived off of little but gave her all to help all as faith called her. The world would be much better if we all had her faith, passion and desire to others.

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving but short biography

I really enjoyed this touching biography of Mother Teresa. She was even more selfless and noble than I had known. This book well expresses her humble and godly nature. I would have liked it to be longer and more detailed.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, it's a 3.5. It is not a very deep biography. It does, however, make me want to learn more about St. Mother Teresa and her life and work.

[Fermentum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sounds like she had an interesting life. I would have liked to hear more about her younger life. Seems she did what she aimed to do.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

We must all be imitated Christ.

In reading this book you will recognize the work of a servant and such great accomplishment when you work to please God. Awesome book, a must read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting biography

A quick read detailing aspects of Sister Teresa’s life. Humbling to see how she sacrificed everything for others. A remarkable woman.

[Daisy Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

A short but powerful read. It will bring revival to your soul. I was never aware of how she completely devoted her life to Christ because of His love for her first.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring read. I'm comforted to know that one of the greatest saints to ever live struggled with the same spiritual struggles every Christian will experience.

[David Sprague · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book adequately accomplished my goal in just learning a tad more about her. The book was a very short skeleton. I was amazed she had any critics being she lived in poverty and gave love to the poor in many ways. I would have liked her even more if reducing pain in sufferers was more important to her. She was a Catholic through and through. I believe that took precedence over more altruistic aims but I do not hold that against her. The poor were very lucky she came on the scene.

Another amazing thing was her lifelong void or depression because she went for many years without contact with God. I am somewhat skeptical about her direct contact with God. I believe God answers prayers and may give direct contact and she richly deserved it. I took from the book her own religion did not adequately explain the suffering of the poor and God's absence. Regardless, she still persevered which was admirable.

[Jayesh Shah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mother Teresa lived her life helping poor people. She is a role model for many. This book describes her life and her work beautifully. However, there are some mistakes in the book. India got independence in 1947 and not 1950 as the book claims. Pakistan became a country in 1947 and not 1956. Also, the miracle of an Indian woman's cancer cured by Mother Teresa's medallion is controversial. The woman, Monica Basra received medical treatment and a Sister from her organization borrowed the medical records, never to return them. Mother Teresa has done a lot of good work, make her a Saint for her work and not for bogus miracles. So e of the criticisms is also justified.

Main thing is, she and her Sisters took care of people who were not cared for by their own family members. That is why she deserves the respect.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this because it was on special and because of the subject matter, however I suspect there are better biographies available as it’s more a chronological account of her life and work, lacking the life and narrative of a biography. However there was enough detail to give a good overview of her remarkable life, especially her great compassion and what she was able to achieve with very limited resources. I didn’t agree with all her views, but I was struck by her commitment to the poorest of the poor despite her own significant personal struggles. It also addressed two contrasting journalistic reports on her work by Malcolm Muggeridge and Christopher Hitchens. Both were atheists but each had a very different response. Mother Teresa herself was never much bothered by public criticism as she had much more important things to address.

[Julie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply personal.

Anyone with an open heart will be moved to do more than he or she is doing now. It's not complex. Giving of yourself to the work of Christ through concrete action is so simple, yet eternally profound. This touching narrative helps each of us realize how powerful the gift of selflessness can be.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was filled with facts but I didn't enjoy the read very well.

I had a hard time getting through this book. I felt a sense of sadness and was trying to get through the facts from chapter to chapter.

[Dorly G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Happy to learn about the life of this great humble woman and her valuable work for humanity. She is a great example of persistence, courage and hard work. When you know God is with you, a lot for his glory will be done