Summary
Highlights
A nun faces criticism and concern from her colleagues and superiors after helping a Hindu boy, given the volatile political and religious climate in India. She believes her place is among the poorest in the streets of Calcutta, a calling within a calling.
Despite initial resistance and theological discussions, the nun, Mother Teresa, receives conditional permission to leave the convent to serve the poor. The Vatican eventually grants approval for her mission.
Mother Teresa blesses her new white and blue habit, symbolizing purity and the Virgin Mary. She begins her work in the slums of Calcutta, attracting young women to join her, including Virginia, who decides to leave school and help.
Inspired by her work, Mother Teresa proposes forming a new congregation, the Missionaries of Charity, with a fourth vow to give hope to the lost and recognize Christ in the suffering. This idea is met with skepticism due to the bureaucratic challenges and existing tensions.
Mother Teresa faces legal challenges and skepticism from authorities who question her methods and lack of permits for her initiatives, including a reception center for minors. She emphasizes the urgent need for her work over bureaucratic procedures. A priest from Rome initially holds a negative opinion on her work but changes his mind after meeting her.
Mother Teresa envisions a 'City of Peace' for those afflicted with leprosy, a place of love and dignity. Despite financial challenges and criticism from locals, she remains steadfast, trusting in divine providence for resources.
The Missionaries of Charity gain international attention, but also criticism regarding their impact on Calcutta's image and their methods of funding. Anonymous donations pour in from around the world, enabling them to expand their work and establish centers internationally.
Mother Teresa faces a scandal when a benefactor, Mr. Logan, is exposed for corruption, dragging her organization into disrepute. She is accused of child trafficking. Even after a helper falsifies adoption documents, Mother Teresa maintains her faith, rejecting the idea of sacrificing one person to protect the organization’s reputation.
Following a child's injury, Mother Teresa shares a story about a robin and Jesus on the cross, symbolizing acts of kindness and sacrifice. She confides in a priest about her inner darkness and suffering, reaffirming her complete submission to God's will.
Mother Teresa expresses concern over lavish expenses for a gala dinner, highlighting the disparity with the needs of the poor. She emphasizes defending life and supporting the vulnerable. Later, during surgery, she offers her life for a child, demonstrating her deep commitment to self-sacrifice.
Witnessing the growing bureaucracy and financial demands of her widespread organization, Mother Teresa dissolves the association, closes bank accounts, and cancels publications to return to a simpler, more direct service to the poor, prioritizing love and individual acts of charity over large-scale operations.