ing them as trying to convert the poor to Catholicism. Others simply did
not want charity. For those young women who offered their lives in ser-
vice to the poor, rejection also waited. Many girls’ families were ashamed
of their vocation to help the poor and outcasts of the city. In some cases,
family members, if coming upon a daughter or sister who had become a
Missionary of Charity, crossed the streets or turned away to avoid looking
at them. Many parents urged their daughters to leave and were often dis-
appointed and surprised to hear their advice rejected.THE JOY OF BEING POOR
Throughout the early years of her congregation’s existence, Mother
Teresa continued to work hard. Up before any of her nuns and often toil-
ing long after they had gone to bed, she never ceased to work. There was
always something to do, whether it was persuading those with much to part
with some of their goods, overseeing the everyday activities of the Mother-
house, or writing a history of the congregation. She appeared tireless, full
of good cheer and ready to move on to the next task. For members of her
congregation, she was nothing short of a marvel. As one sister explained,
it was as if the constitution of the congregation was being acted out before
their eyes. Mother Teresa exemplified for the order the joy of being poor,
working hard, and having strong faith in God’s providence.
No task was too menial or disgusting for Mother Teresa to undertake.
One sister, repelled at the thought of cleaning the toilet, hid herself away.
Mother Teresa passed by, not noticing the Sister in the hall. Seeing the
state of the toilet, she immediately rolled up her sleeves and cleaned the
toilet herself. The sister never forgot the experience and applied herself
more fully to her tasks.
From all the sisters, Mother Teresa asked obedience. Those unable to
eat the allotted five chapattisa day were not considered Missionaries of
Charity material and were asked to leave. Other requirements of the order
included speaking English at all times. Those who came to the order with-
out finishing their studies were to complete them in addition to their work
at the Motherhouse.
The nuns made other sacrifices in the face of cultural taboos. For in-
stance, realizing that the congregation needed people with medical train-
ing, Mother Teresa asked some of the first sisters to earn medical degrees
even though studying medicine meant mixing with men under conditions
of unacceptable intimacy. Nevertheless, the women did as they were
asked even though it meant being further ostracized from their families
and cultural traditions.
58 MOTHER TERESA