Skopje, the vibrant capital of North Macedonia, is a city steeped in history and culture. One of its most celebrated figures is Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, known worldwide as Mother Teresa. Born in Skopje in 1910, Mother Teresa's life of compassion and service to the poor has left an indelible mark on the world. Today, Skopje honours her legacy with several monuments that stand as a testament to her selflessness and devotion. In this article, we will explore the life of Mother Teresa and the monuments dedicated to her in her hometown.
The Life and Work of Mother Teresa
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire. From a young age, she displayed a deep commitment to helping others and a strong desire to become a nun. At the age of 18, she left her family in Skopje to join the Sisterhood of Loreto in Ireland. It was there that she took the name Sister Mary Teresa and began her journey of selfless service.
Mother Teresa's work took her to Calcutta, India, where she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. Her mission was clear: to serve the "poorest of the poor." Her unwavering commitment to the suffering earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and the admiration of people from all walks of life.
Monuments Dedicated to Mother Teresa in Skopje
City Square: Standing at the heart of Skopje, you will notice plaque dedicated to Mother Theresa. This plaque marks the place where the original birth house of Mother Teresa used to be.
Memorial House of Mother Teresa: Just a short walk from the square stands the Memorial House of Mother Teresa that was built on the popular Macedonia Street in the Centar municipality, on the very location of the once Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, where Mother Teresa was baptized. It lies just east of the Ristiḱ Palace and the Macedonia Square. In the first three weeks of its opening, the memorial house was visited by 12,000 people. It is a modern, transformed version of Mother Teresa's birth house with a multifunctional but sacral character. Visitors can explore exhibits that chronicle her life, showcasing personal artifacts, photographs, and documents. It's a place to reflect on her journey from Skopje to becoming a global icon of compassion.
Mother Teresa Highway: One of region’s most important highways – Skopje to Ohrid, about 300km long – is being named after Mother Teresa.
Mother Teresa's journey from Skopje to the world stage is a testament to the power of one individual's unwavering commitment to serving humanity. In her birthplace of Skopje, her legacy lives on through the monuments and memorials that honour her life's work. These sites serve as reminders of the values of compassion, selflessness, and love for all, which Mother Teresa exemplified throughout her remarkable life. As visitors explore Skopje's rich history and culture, they can't help but be inspired by the enduring spirit of this remarkable woman who called this city her home.
Denica, OLS Community Manager - Macedonian