Two Great Women - One Rich One Poor

Agnes Bojaxhiu, was born in Albania in 1910, into a family devoted to the Catholic religion. She knew at the early age of 12 that she was called by God to do His work, taking her vows at 18 to become a Nun. She moved to India and taught school to young girls for many years. Outside the walls of the Convent she witnessed the suffering of people living in the streets of Calcutta. A deep compassion for the hungry and destitute became a driving force to seek her own order. In 1950, after receiving permission, she opened “The Missionaries Of Charity”. There she would devote her life to the ‘poorest of the poor’ and changed her name to Teresa.

The West got news of her work among the poor, and a documentary was filmed which gave worldwide exposure to her charity work in Calcutta. 40 countries and 1,000,000 coworkers were recognized and acclaimed throughout the world by 1990. She traveled to other countries and accepted many awards. Princess Diana, one of her dearest friends visited often, and in her own right was dedicated to Charity work.

In 1979 Mother Teresa received the distinctive Nobel Peace Prize.

Diana Spencer was born in 1961 with an aristocratic upbringing. She grew up in England, and married into the British royal family. The wedding was a fairy tale for the whole world to see. Diana broke tradition and became the people’s princess. She was deemed the ‘princess with a heart’ and everything she did was at a high level of popularity. It was not unusual to see her driving out in the countryside stopping to talk with commoners, asking for their input.

Diana and Mother Teresa were friends, their mission being the same; charity work. Both delighted in visiting hospitals touching the sick, and holding dying children. Mother Teresa ministered to the poor while Diana raised awareness of AIDS.

Both these women reflected a spiritual consciousness. Their energy radiated compassion, honoring the sacredness of life and bringing light to the darkness of the world.

Mother and Diana passed away one month apart, the same year, August and September 1997. Diana's funeral overshadowed Mother's. Diana being a young mother in the prime of life, leaving 2 young boys. Mother was 87 years old and her life, even though just as charitable, was less glamorous.

This boy's eyes have seen the streets of hell, but his soul has been taught by Mother Teresa. A person never forgets who teaches his soul. I can't help but wonder where this poor boy managed to get enough money to buy these flowers, and how proud and humble he must have felt to take them to her funeral.

So many flowers were delivered and placed in front of the Palace that the wilting ones had to be taken away daily. Mourners lined the streets and cried for days. Celebrities and dignitaries attended the funeral. Flags were flown half staff. The funeral was televised and Elton John, a friend of Diana's, wrote and sang a song for her. "Candle In The Wind".

(Goodbye England's Rose)

One led a life of glamour and one led a life of piety. We both admire and find fault in those we place in high position, but we should find inspiration from those who work quietly and diligently outside our field of vision. Our common fate unites us all.

Below, a cartoon drawing of the two in heaven, by Don Addis of St. Pete Times.

Dated September 9, 1997