MATHETΩN

“In some countries there is no hunger for bread — but people are suffering from terrible loneliness, terrible despair, terrible hatred; feeling unwanted, helpless, hopeless. They have forgotten how to smile, they have forgotten the human touch; they are forgetting what is human love. The greatest poverty is loneliness.

“And you have great loneliness here in your country. Any nation that kills its own children is the poorest of nations. If there is a lonely person in your home or family, you will be judged. If there is a spouse or an elderly parent who is lonely, you will be judged. If there is someone who lives on your street who is without care and human affection, you will be judged.

“Our calling as Missionaries of Charity is not a special calling. God calls everyone to be holy. Holiness is a simple duty for you and for me.”

– Mother Teresa