Missionaries of Charity to pursue legal action against misuse of Mother Teresa’s name, image, and words for fundraising and publicity.
Newsroom (24/03/2026 Gaudium Press ) The Missionaries of Charity, the religious congregation founded by Saint Mother Teresa, has publicly warned that it will take legal action against organizations and individuals misusing the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate’s name, image, and words for commercial or publicity purposes.
In a strongly worded statement issued on March 19, Sister Michael Joseph, the current successor of St. Teresa, said the order has learned of “numerous organizations” exploiting the revered nun’s identity without permission. “We have come to know that numerous organizations have been using Mother Teresa’s name and image without permission and engaging in fundraising activities,” she said.
According to the statement, the Missionaries of Charity and genuine followers of Mother Teresa have been “deeply pained” by repeated abuses of her legacy for personal or institutional gain. Sister Joseph said that after years of warnings and appeals went unheeded, the order has decided to “finally take legal action against some organizations.”
A Breach of Spirit and Values
The congregation underscored that any use of Mother Teresa’s image or name for promotional purposes, especially those tied to fundraising or public recognition, misrepresents her ideals of humility and poverty. It expressed particular concern about “lavish, media-covered ceremonies” where awards in her name are presented in luxurious settings.
“Such extravagance runs totally counter to the spirit of poverty, humility, and simplicity as lived by Mother Teresa,” Sister Joseph stated, without naming specific groups.
The order also cited Mother Teresa’s will, which explicitly designates her successors—leaders of the Missionaries of Charity—as lawful custodians of her name and likeness. The will further stipulates that anyone wishing to use them must obtain official permission from the congregation.
No Fundraising Policy
The statement reaffirmed one of Mother Teresa’s enduring convictions: the Missionaries of Charity does not engage in fundraising activities. “It is against her principles and conviction,” Sister Joseph noted. Her position finds support from retired Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta, who told UCA News, “It is a fact that Mother never did any fundraising and never wanted anyone to use her name or image for such a purpose, which is made very clear in her will.”
Archbishop D’Souza emphasized that the congregation’s concern is “very genuine,” reflecting both fidelity to Mother Teresa’s wishes and frustration with those exploiting her legacy.
Growing Misuse and Responses
While the congregation’s announcement did not specify the incidents that triggered this unprecedented measure, India is home to dozens of organizations and more than 20 schools named after the saint. Among them is the Mother Teresa Memorial Award, instituted in 2005 by Abraham Mathai, founder of the Mumbai-based Harmony Foundation.
In response to the controversy, Mathai clarified that his organization operates with full authorization. “I have written permission from all the successors of Mother Teresa, including the incumbent,” he said. “I neither misuse her name nor collect any money.” Mathai added that his foundation aims to uphold the values Mother Teresa lived and died for, honoring figures who have dedicated their lives to justice and peace, including Nobel laureates.
A Legacy of Humility
Mother Teresa, born in 1910 in Macedonia, arrived in India in 1929 as a novice with the Loreto Sisters. In 1949, she left the order to found the Missionaries of Charity, dedicating her life to serving the poorest and most destitute. She died in Kolkata on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87, and was canonized by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016.
Today, the Missionaries of Charity spans 139 nations and includes over 5,000 nuns devoted to works of charity, simplicity, and compassion. Their latest move to protect Mother Teresa’s name marks a new chapter — one in which the guardians of her legacy are compelled to shield it from commercial exploitation, ensuring that her message of selfless service remains untainted.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
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