Mother House

In 1950 Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity (MOC) in the city of Kolkata (Calcutta) to lend aid to the poor, disabled and infirm. What started out as a small community of 12 Sisters has grown to include more than 4,500 volunteer Sisters working worldwide.

Mother House, the headquarters of the MOC, was Mother Teresa’s home for 44 years during her time in Kolkata, and visitors come here to pay respects at her tomb. The room where she slept has been preserved, and you can look in on the simple camp bed where she slept. A photo above the bed shows her meeting with Pope John Paul II in 1986, 11 years before her death in 1997. The neighboring museum houses her threadbare sandals and chipped ceramic bowl.

Since Mother House is still a working missionary center, visiting hours are strictly adhered to, so double check the latest times before you head over. If you want to dig deeper and really get a sense for the work being done, consider volunteering for a day or two during your visit to Kolkata.