The International Day of Charity was observed globally on September 5, 2025, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mother Teresa. The UN General Assembly designated September 5 as this day in 2012 to recognise the role of charitable activities in eradicating poverty and alleviating suffering. Mother Teresa, born in 1910 in Uskub (now Skopje, North Macedonia), came to India in 1928, became an Indian citizen in 1948, and founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata in 1950. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and the Bharat Ratna in 1980, and was canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis in 2016. The day encourages volunteerism and philanthropy as tools for social development and sustainable progress.
International Day of Charity Observed on September 5, Commemorating Mother Teresa
AQuick answer
International Day of Charity observed on Sep 5 commemorating Mother Teresa's legacy of service to the poor.
Key facts
- International Day of Charity observed on September 5, coinciding with Mother Teresa's death anniversary
- UN General Assembly designated September 5 as International Day of Charity in 2012
- Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata in 1950
- She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and the Bharat Ratna in 1980
- Canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis in 2016
- Born in 1910 in Uskub (now Skopje, North Macedonia), came to India in 1928, became Indian citizen in 1948
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The International Day of Charity, observed on September 5, coincides with the death anniversary of Mother Teresa. In which year was she canonised?
Explanation · Correct answer C
Mother Teresa was canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and the Bharat Ratna in 1980. The UN designated September 5 as International Day of Charity in 2012.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is International Day of Charity observed on September 5 and how does it commemorate Mother Teresa?
**International Day of Charity** is observed on **September 5** — the death anniversary of **Mother Teresa (1997)**. The UN designated this day to recognize the humanitarian work of Mother Teresa and to promote charitable activities globally.
Who was Mother Teresa and what was her major contribution?
**Mother Teresa (1910-1997)**, born **Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu** in Skopje (now North Macedonia), was a Catholic nun who founded the **Missionaries of Charity** in **Kolkata, India** in 1950. She dedicated her life to serving the poorest of poor and was awarded the **Nobel Peace Prize in 1979**.
What is the Missionaries of Charity and where does it operate?
**Missionaries of Charity** is a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded by **Mother Teresa** in 1950 in Kolkata. It operates **more than 700 missions** in 100+ countries, providing services to the poorest populations including hospices, orphanages, schools, and HIV/AIDS care centers.
When was Mother Teresa canonized as a saint and by whom?
**Mother Teresa** was **canonized as a saint** on **September 4, 2016** by **Pope Francis** at the Vatican. She is now officially known as **Saint Teresa of Calcutta**. Her beatification had occurred in 2003 under Pope John Paul II.
What is the United Nations International Day of Charity and when was it established?
The **UN International Day of Charity** was established by the **UN General Assembly in 2012** and first observed in 2013. It aims to raise awareness and mobilize people, NGOs, and stakeholders to help others through charitable activities worldwide, aligning with the **SDGs**.
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