Mother Teresa: Missionaries of Charity – Calcutta, India

COME TO THE CITY OF JOY TO WORK WITH THE MISSIONARIES OF
CHARITY

“Two hands and a heart”… that’s what Sister Mercy Maria told us when we arrived at Mother Teresa’s House in Calcutta. That’s the only thing you need to bring. There aren’t enough words to describe or quantify the work the Sisters of Charity have carried out since Mother Teresa began her mission and founded the order back in 1950 in Calcutta. “I never imagined there was so much suffering in this world.” Work and devotion that are an example for all of humanity. Today, more than 4,500 sisters in 133 countries have followed in her footsteps.
Today, Mother Teresa is respected, loved, and revered in India as much as the founding fathers. Today, Calcutta is a blue-and-white city.

“Helping the poorest of the poor,” the sick, the helpless, the abandoned. That’s what you’ll do in one of the Missionaries of Charity’s homes. Some believe that charity for the neediest is not
development… We believe there can be no development without caring for the neediest.

“Sometimes we feel that what we do is just a drop in the ocean… but the ocean would be less without that drop.”

The Mother Teresa Home, also known as the Missionaries of Charity Home for the Dying and Destitute, is a place of deep compassion and care located in Calcutta. Established by Mother Teresa herself, this institution serves as a sanctuary for the destitute, the dying, and those in need of care and support.
The main house is marked by its simplicity and humility, reflecting Mother Teresa’s own spirit. The atmosphere is serene yet full of activity as volunteers and staff work tirelessly to meet the residents’ needs. Inside the house, you can expect to find people from all walks of life, including the elderly, the sick, the abandoned, and the terminally ill. Despite their difficult circumstances, there’s an undeniable sense of dignity and respect that fills the environment, fostered by the caregivers’ unwavering dedication.

Volunteer activities with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta

Volunteering at the Mother Teresa Home is a deeply rewarding experience that offers opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Volunteers can take part in a variety of tasks, tailored to their skills, interests, and the residents’ needs. Some roles and activities include:

• Direct care: you can help feed, bathe, and provide basic medical care to the residents. Compassion and patience are essential qualities in this work, as many of the people you’ll care for may be frail or in pain.
• Companionship: spending time with the residents, striking up conversations, listening to their stories, or simply offering a comforting presence can have a profound impact on their well-being. You’ll serve as a companion, bringing warmth and human connection to those who may feel isolated or alone.
• Cleaning: keeping the facilities clean and organized is crucial to maintaining a safe, hygienic environment. You can help with tasks such as sweeping, mopping, washing clothes, and tidying up.
• Activity assistance: organizing recreational activities, games, or crafts sessions can lift the residents’ spirits and bring moments of joy and fun. You can also accompany residents on outings or to medical appointments.
• Spiritual support: you can offer spiritual guidance, prayer, or simply an attentive ear for those wrestling with existential questions or seeking comfort in their faith.
• Fundraising and advocacy: you can contribute to the home’s sustainability by taking part in fundraising events, raising awareness of its mission, and defending the rights and dignity of the marginalized.

A volunteer’s day to day in Calcutta with the Missionaries of Charity

The volunteers you’ll live with come from all over the world and are very different people. But sharing such a profound experience gives the volunteer house a warm atmosphere of companionship and friendship that you feel the moment you land. It’s something close, something special.

So, among friends, your day starts with breakfast in the dining room before heading to your project, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms, since volunteers are highly valued and respected in India. If you wish, you can attend the 6:00 mass at the Mother House, a shared spiritual experience that will inspire you. You’ll work in the morning, eat at your project, and in the afternoon you may have more work — nothing but enormously rewarding time, where your help will give you more than it gives them. When you finish, you’ll have free time to explore the city or take part in the program’s cultural immersion activities. And on weekends… free to rest, or to travel!

Accommodation and meals during your volunteer program in Calcutta, India

The accommodation in Calcutta is conveniently located in “Kalighat,” in the Park Circus area, just 4 km from Mother Teresa’s house. Very well connected by city transport, it’ll be easy and inexpensive to get around.

You will share a room with another volunteer and have a private bathroom for greater comfort. 

As for meals, the typical Indian “Veg Thali” is prepared for breakfast and dinner 7 days a week.

The facilities include:

• Room with a Western-style bathroom.
•  Air conditioning.
•  Wi-Fi.
•  Kitchen, fridge, and laundry room shared with your companions.

Calcuta tiene mucho que ver 

The Victoria Memorial, an imposing white-marble palace dating from the early 20th century, built in honor of Queen Victoria after her death in 1901. Inside, it houses a museum of Indian history. The Victoria Memorial sits within Maidan Park, Kolkata’s “Central Park,” where residents gather to stroll, play cricket, practice yoga, or ride horse-drawn carriages.
Kalighat, in the “red-light district,” is Kolkata’s mother temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali, the city’s patron. It’s an important Hindu pilgrimage center, and animal sacrifices are performed inside.
The Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, is one of Kolkata’s symbols and one of the busiest bridges in the world. The river ghats are the setting for traditional Hindu rituals.
And of course, Mother Teresa’s home, which is at the Mother House on Bose Road. There you’ll find her room intact, as well as her tomb, where the Sisters of Charity gather several times a day to pray. A small room holds some representative objects and several photographs from the nun’s life.
The Sudder Street area, near the park, draws most of the volunteers and travelers. On Sudder Street you’ll find cheap accommodation and restaurants. There’s even a “Spanish restaurant,” a meeting point for Spanish-speaking volunteers, where they prepare typical dishes from Spanish cuisine.

•  You’ll work in one of the Missionaries of Charity’s homes.
•  The program starts and ends in the city of Calcutta.
•  Project duration: as long as you want…
•  Arrival date: Friday or Saturday, your choice.
•  Working days: Monday to Friday., de 11 am. A 4 pm.
•  Lunch at the homes.
•  Sister Mercy Maria is in charge of the volunteers and will be delighted to welcome you after the morning mass (except Thursdays). She speaks Spanish very well! There it’s almost a second language.

What the volunteer program with the Missionaries of Charity includes

Our organized programs include everything (or almost everything), plus 24/7 supervision and support at the destination, so all you have to worry about is having a good time and living your experience.

•  Personalized pickup at Calcutta airport and transfer to your accommodation.
•  Orientation and training about India, local customs, and the Mother Teresa project you’ll be working on.
•  Accommodation in the Volunteer House.
•  Two meals a day / seven days a week.
•   Support in India and a permanent local coordinator 24/7, every day of the week.
•  Administrative costs.
•  Transfer to Calcutta airport at the end of your volunteer program.
•  Certified €200 contribution to the CiENViDAS project.
•  International Volunteering Certificate from the CiENViDAS Foundation.

What the program does not include

•  Flight.
•  India visa (easily processed online).
•  Daily transportation to your project’s Mother Teresa house (this cost is low and there are many options: tuk-tuk, rickshaws, metro, Uber…).
•  Travel and medical insurance. 
•  SIM card: highly recommended and affordable. We’ll help you get one.
•  TRAVEL INSURANCE: you must take out travel and medical insurance for your peace of mind. Or, if you prefer, we can offer our special insurance for volunteers, with coverage for cancelación, por un importe aprox. de 80€ (2 weeks).

PRE 

You can deduct 100% of the program cost on your next tax return (in Spain).

Don’t wait — spots are limited.

• Prior training: No prior experience required — just enthusiasm and commitment!
• Minimum age: Be 18 years old at the start of the program. If you are a minor, you’ll need to present consent signed by your parents or guardians.
• Language skills: A basic level of English is required to make communication easier during the program.
• Required documents:
  • Résumé (CV).
  • Completed pre-registration form.
  • Criminal background check up to date.
• Attitude: An adventurous, compassionate spirit and a certain inner strength.

This program is designed for people who want to transform lives while immersing themselves in an enriching culture.

Frequently asked questions about volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta

How do I volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta?

To volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, you just need to sign up through CiENViDAS. The program includes accommodation, meals, airport pickup, and 24-hour local coordination. No prior experience is required, just enthusiasm and commitment.

Which city in India is Mother Teresa of Calcutta associated with?

Mother Teresa of Calcutta is associated with the city of Calcutta —also called Kolkata— in India. It was there that she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 and carried out all her humanitarian work with the poorest. The Mother House, the order’s headquarters, and her tomb are in Calcutta today.

What is the Mother House in Calcutta?

The Mother House is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa in Calcutta. It preserves Mother Teresa’s room intact and her tomb, where the sisters gather several times a day to pray. It’s also the point of reference for all volunteers who arrive in the city.

How much does the volunteer program in Calcutta with the Missionaries of Charity cost?

The volunteer program in Calcutta organized by CiENViDAS has a base cost of €480 for two weeks, plus a certified €200 solidarity contribution to the project. Additional weeks cost €195 each. 100% of the amount is tax-deductible (in Spain).

Do I need prior experience to volunteer in India?

No prior experience is required to take part in the volunteer program with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. You just need to be 18, have a basic level of English, and a desire to help. CiENViDAS provides full training and guidance before and during the program.

What are the Missionaries of Charity?

The Missionaries of Charity are a Catholic religious order founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta in 1950 in the Indian city of Calcutta. Their mission is to care for the poorest of the poor: the sick, the dying, the destitute, and people in situations of extreme vulnerability. Today they have more than 4,500 sisters present in 133 countries around the world.

What is the Mother Teresa Home (Nirmal Hriday) in Calcutta?

The Mother Teresa Home —also known as Nirmal Hriday or the Home of the Pure Heart— was founded by Mother Teresa in 1952 in the Kalighat neighborhood of Calcutta. It’s the order’s first home and takes in the destitute, the dying, and the terminally ill. It’s also where CiENViDAS volunteers carry out their daily work alongside the Sisters of Charity.

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