Way of Life

Consecrated Life

Every Missionary of Charity is called to lead a life consecrated to God and to His people.

It is a life following Jesus Christ with the four vows of the Congregation:

Poverty
Chastity
Obedience
Wholehearted and Free Service to the poorest of the poor

Mission of ‘Love in Action’

Mission to convey God’s love – “a living God, a God of Love”.
Offering free and selfless service to the poorest of the poor, the unwanted, uncared for, outcasts, abandoned, downtrodden, rejected – in streets and slums or wherever they may be found.
Being close to people’s heart with love, compassion and understanding, ever ready and willing to serve and reach out a helping hand to the ‘poorest of the poor, with cheerfulness.
Offering free and voluntary service, seeking no favours in return.
Extending immediate and effective Caring and Service to individual sufferers, out of pure love for God.

Life Style of Missionaries of Charity

Deliberately and voluntarily choosing to live a life of poverty and austerity – choosing to be poor and simple.
Dressed in simple and modest cotton attire of a three-striped blue bordered sari (worn in Bengali style), simple footwear and a simple cloth handbag, with no wrist watch, no finger ring or other accessories.
Living as communities in convents, in simple dwellings and common rooms, with no provision of private rooms.
Going out in pairs, conveyancing in the cheapest forms of transport, praying the rosary while travelling.
Sustained from a common fund of the Congregation, with no personal bank account or property in one’s name, no personal money.
No partaking of any food or drink in the houses of the poor or the rich visited, providing food for oneself for the day’s journey.
No participation in social entertainments such as theatres, parties, restaurants.
Use of electric and electronic appliances only for absolute necessity i.e. lawful requirements.

Being God’s Presence, His love and Compassion

Seeking the face of God in the persons of those suffering, ailing and dying.
Loving as Christ loves, helping as He helps, giving as He gives, serving as He serves and rescuing as He rescues.

Service of Love in the footsteps of our Master

Loving God by loving our fellow human beings, as in the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it for Me.
I was hungry, you gave Me food;
I was thirsty, you gave Me drink;
I was homeless and you took Me in;
Naked and you clothed Me;
In prison and you came to see Me.”

God’s Work

Depending totally on the providence of God. Accepting only free-will offering or donation, being sacrifices made by individuals and groups. Avoiding all publicity and fund raising activities. Mother Teresa repeatedly asked people to pray that we do not spoil God’s work.

Universal Love and Respect

Love and respect for every human person, irrespective of caste, religion and nationality.
Simplicity and loving touch on the poor.
Humble and simple means of working for the downtrodden and outcast persons.
Respect for all faith, religion and social standing.
Service for love of God, not for publicity, recognition and honours.