The Mother Teresa Project at Ave Maria University brings to life the legacy of Mother Teresa and inspires students to follow in her footsteps by serving those most in need.
It was Mother Teresa’s work among the poorest of the poor that drew the world to her, and it is that spirit that we wish to imitate. We encourage our students to remember the words of Mother Teresa, “At the end of our life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.”
Ave Maria University is becoming the epicenter of devotion to Saint Teresa of Calcutta in Catholic higher education and throughout the Americas. In 2013, the religious order Mother Teresa founded in Calcutta, the Missionaries of Charity, granted the University official permission to establish the “Mother Teresa Project at Ave Maria University,” the first-of- its-kind in the world . No college campus in America has a program of study and service which honors this Nobel Peace Prize winner whom many believe was the most beloved individual of the 20th century. At a time when the world is rife with violence and riven with division among the world’s religions, the goal of the Mother Teresa Project is to produce graduates of Ave Maria University who will spread her compassion and teachings to a new generation of Americans who know little about this saintly woman, and in the process, spread peace in the same manner as she did – one person at a time.
“Ave Maria University IS Mother Teresa’s university,”
Cardinal Sean O’Malley – Archbishop of Boston
What We Do
Service Projects
Demonstrating love through service, our students have many opportunities both locally and abroad, through our mission trips, to be Christ to those in need. Some of the local agencies we support with volunteer hours:
Missionaries of Charity in Miami, Immokalee Soccer School, Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Naples Green Village, Aston Gardens, and Providence House
Museum
Ave Maria University offers students, tourists, pilgrims and area residents the opportunity to learn more about “the saint of the gutters” in a 3,000 square foot space showcasing displays of her life and memorabilia.
See the Museum page for hours and information.
Newest Additions:
Authentic Replica of Mother Teresa’s Private Room in Calcutta
Scholars
Students who wish to earn the designation “Mother Teresa Scholar” are invited to enroll in our Scholar Program. We offer a coordinated program of study and service which is designed to help students understand the interior life of Mother Teresa, and ponder the questions: What drove this woman to give of herself so heroically? What can she teach us about finding Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor?
See the scholar page for information about the formation program.
Events
A quick glance at our upcoming events. The events page displays ALL events: service, formation or anything in between. Please note that most events take place during the academic year.
