International Charity Day and Its Significance
International Charity Day is celebrated every year on 5 September as part of the United Nations system of world days. This date was chosen to mark the passing of Mother Teresa, a prominent humanitarian known for her extensive charitable work.
Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje, was dedicated to serving the poor and founded the Missionaries of Charity. Her efforts earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and led to her canonisation by the Catholic Church.
The day aims to foster dialogue among people of different cultures, religions, and civilisations, while expressing solidarity with the disadvantaged. It is supported by various organisations globally, including Australian charities that observe the day annually.
Date and Significance of the Holiday
International Charity Day is observed annually on 5 September as part of the United Nations’ system of global and international days. The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who passed away on 5 September 1997 after a prolonged illness. The United Nations General Assembly officially declared 5 September as International Charity Day, with the first observance taking place in 2013. The primary purpose of this day is to encourage dialogue among people of different cultures, religions, and civilizations, fostering solidarity with those in need. Charitable activities promoted on this day play a vital role in the eradication of poverty worldwide.
Celebration in Australia
In Australia, International Charity Day is observed annually on 5 September and is actively supported by various Australian charitable organisations. ChildFund Australia recognises this day as an important yearly event, emphasising its significance within the national context. Additionally, the Sisters of Saint Joseph Australia commemorate International Charity Day on the same date, linking the observance to the memory of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. This connection highlights the day’s resonance with charitable values and the legacy of notable figures in philanthropy within the Australian community.
Life and Mission of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on 26 August 1910 in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire, came from a wealthy Albanian family. Raised in a Catholic household, her parents instilled in her a strong Christian faith from an early age. Agnes felt a calling to serve God from childhood and was inspired to become a missionary after reading letters from missionaries in India. Pursuing this vocation, she travelled to Ireland and joined the Sisters of Loreto, a religious order. Subsequently, she was sent to Calcutta, where she took her religious vows and adopted the name Teresa.
For many years, Mother Teresa taught at a girls’ school attached to the convent. However, in 1946, during a visit to Darjeeling, she experienced what she described as a divine call to leave the convent and live among the poor to serve them directly. Two years later, in 1948, she received permission to leave the convent and began her work caring for the destitute and impoverished in Calcutta. Her commitment to this mission led to the establishment of the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an order dedicated to mercy and love, which she founded with official approval.
Activities and Recognition of the Order
The Order of the Sisters of Mercy, known as the Missionaries of Charity, dedicated their efforts to establishing schools, shelters, hospitals, and hospices around the world. By 1996, the congregation had expanded significantly, operating 400 branches across 111 countries. The order’s activities were supported financially through donations from private individuals, companies, organisations, and government bodies. Mother Teresa, a prominent figure associated with the order, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 in recognition of her commitment to protecting human dignity. She passed away on 5 September 1997 in Calcutta at the age of 87. Following her death, the Catholic Church beatified her in 2003 and later canonised her as a saint in 2016. Mother Teresa of Calcutta remains widely known for her charitable work and the lasting impact of the order she led.
