A Heart’s Journey Home: Mother Teresa’s Tender Letter of Love and Longing

A Reflection on Mother Teresa’s Enduring Bond with Albania and Her Unwavering Mission of Compassion*

“ If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”— Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa, known globally for her unwavering dedication to the poor and suffering, exemplified compassion and humility in every aspect of her life. Even as her health waned, her heart remained steadfast in its mission to spread love and peace across the world. In a deeply personal letter sent to Mr. Ramiz Aliu, she expressed her heartfelt desire to return to her homeland of Albania after many years. Written in a tender mix of humility and nostalgia, the letter reflects her enduring connection to her roots and her unwavering commitment to serving those in need, wherever they might be. Through this correspondence, Mother Teresa’s profound love for her people and her desire to bring solace to the suffering shine through, reminding us of the boundless compassion that defined her life’s work.

In the letter, Mother Teresa shared her profound wish to bring “love and peace throughout the world” by offering warm love and care to the sick, the lonely, and those who lack love. She expressed her deep yearning to return to Albania with her fellow Sisters, to spread the message of love and peace in her homeland. “My heart has a great desire to come to Albania with my sisters, to bring this love and this peace,” she wrote. Her words highlight not only her deep spiritual commitment but also her connection to her Albanian heritage.

Despite seeing the beauty and goodness in the people who already served the sick and the children in Albania, Mother Teresa felt that the presence of her Sisters could further spread the joy of giving love and offering warm care, just as they had done in various places around the world, including Russia, Cuba, and many other countries. The letter also reveals her personal joy at being able to visit the graves of her mother and sister, which she had not seen in over 60 years since leaving Yugoslavia.

Mother Teresa’s humility is evident in her apology for any mistakes made while writing in Albanian after so many years, a language she had not used in written form for a long time. Her dedication to her people and her faith is further demonstrated by her hope and prayer that by the end of the year, she would be able to return to her homeland, Albania, to be with her people.

“ Dear Mr. Ramiz Alia,

Thank you for your warm letter. Please forgive me for not writing to you all this time, as you know, I have been ill. I am trying to write a few lines in Albanian after many, many years, so please excuse any mistakes.

“I have given the ‘Albanian pledge’ to God, to bring love and peace throughout the world” by offering warm love and care to the sick—the lonely, the unloved, those who lack love.

“My heart has a great desire to come to Albania with my sisters, to bring this love and this peace. I have seen that you have everything in good order, but my heart greatly desires to come with my sisters to offer this love.”

I have seen that everything is beautiful from the people who serve the sick and children, but I still feel that the Sisters will be able to share the joy of giving love by offering their warm love and care, as they do today in various places, including Russia, Cuba, and many other countries.

I was very happy to see my people, to see the graves of my mother and my sister, which I had never seen for 60 years since I left Yugoslavia.

Now that I have shared my wish with you, I hope you understand, as this is the first time in many, many years that I have written in Albanian.

I am sending Miss J. Petri, the person who made the film “Mother Teresa,” which I hope you have seen.

I hope and pray that by the end of this year, I will be with my people in my homeland, Albania.

“I will pray for you! 

God be with you”

Mother Teresa, Missionary of Charity.”

As we reflect on Mother Teresa’s heartfelt words and her unwavering dedication to spreading love and peace, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on the world. Her desire to return to Albania, to reconnect with her roots and bring comfort to her people, exemplifies the depth of her compassion and the strength of her spirit. ”Votra Magazine” is honored to share this intimate glimpse into the life of a woman who devoted herself entirely to the service of others, inspiring generations to embrace kindness, humility, and love in their own lives. Through her legacy, Mother Teresa continues to guide us toward a more compassionate and caring world.