Mother Teresa Receives Permission From The Vatican

After a long wait, the Vatican gave permission to Mother Teresa on October 7,1950 to start a congregation to serve the "poorest of the poor". The congregation which became known as the Missionaries of Charity served; " all those who felt unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to society and are shunned by everyone". On the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary, eleven women who had joined Mother Teresa began their postulancies as Missionaries of Charity. Much joy was derived from small things within the context of poverty. 25

At Christmas, Mother Teresa stayed up preparing gifts for her sisters. The gifts they received were placed at each sister's dinner place. The gifts were decorated and said:

"Happy Christmas to dear Sister... from Mother", Inside was our mail and Mother's presents to us. We all got the same except for the pencils. I got a cake of Sunlight soap, a clothes peg, a red and blue pencil, a St. Christopher and the Miraculous Medal identity card, a leaflet with beautiful words, sweets and a balloon... We were thrilled with our giftsas there is nothing else we could possibly want. 26