Mother Teresa in Chicago – Remembrance, Legacy, and Inspiration
Remarks by Dr. Sonila Sejdaras, President of “Care for Albania”, at an event dedicated to Mother Teresa, hosted by the Albanian-American community in Chicago
What an honor, We gathered to celebrate not only the incredible legacy of Mother Teresa in our city but also the vital work we are doing through Care for Albania—a foundation that embodies her message of love and compassion.
Mother Teresa impact doesn’t come from grand gestures, but from the simple acts of love.
In her own words, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
This resonates deeply with our mission at Care for Albania, where we focus on mental health needs within our communities, by taking small steps helping hundreds of individuals and inspiring thousands more.
I’m proud to share some of our projects and their direct impact.
We have supported over 50 children on the autism spectrum with their dental care-most of them had never gone to the dentist due to Financial needs. Care for Albania brought their smiles back
In addition we helped financially to improve the infrastructure of two social services centers in Korca , the city where I was born and raised, to help the center better serve the community
One of the recent initiatives (2 years old), Each year in September we walk along with individuals and families affected by cancer. Focusing primates on their mental health needs. We were inspired to see the support so many Albanian youth, families and their children, and individuals diagnosed with cancer showing up and supporting our community in Chicago .
I believe it is our responsibility to increase awareness on these issues, to create safe spaces without fear of judgment and show up when they need us most. Just like the many examples of mother Teresa work.
Mother Teresa in Chicago 1980-1990’s
My portion of this event is to talk about Mother Teresa in Chicago. Her time in Chicago began in 1980 (the year I was born, maybe as a birthday gift! had no idea she had lived & served in our city, in particular in “North Lawndale“ a neighborhood I’ve worked for several years as a psychologist.
I feel privileged to say, I was walking on the footsteps of Mother Teresa, in the very same neighborhood and possibly with the children of the people she helped in the 80’s. When the Sisters arrived in N Lawndale, they were determined to serve and spread love, but the environment was intimidating & harsh. The community was plagued by gang violence, shootings, and a pervasive sense of fear. Recognizing the difficulties they reached out to Mother Teresa, perhaps hoping she would suggest they relocate to a safer area.
However, Mother Teresa had a different plan. Instead of moving away, she decided to come to Chicago herself.Upon her arrival, Mother Teresa, didn’t shy away from the challenges of the neighborhood; instead, she actively engaged with the community. She went door to door, knocking on each one, introducing herself, and letting the residents know that the Sisters were there to help—bringing love, peace, and hope to a place that desperately needed it.
Imagine the shock and surprise of the people when they opened their doors to find this 5 foot tall woman, who had dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor, standing before them in the midst of their struggles. Her presence in Chicago was a testament to her commitment to serve those in need, regardless of the danger.
Mother Teresa’s actions inspired not only the Sisters but also countless others in the community and beyond. She taught them that real change comes from action, from stepping into the unknown, and from loving others without hesitation. Her legacy encourages us all to work tirelessly and to take initiative, reminding us that we should not wait for others to make a difference we must be the change we wish to see in the world.- ghandi
Here is the first time visiting to same place where Mother Teresa planted the sisters and served since 1980
Sister Bethel gardening…
The very same soup kitchen opened in 1980 and still contributing to feed thousands of hungry children and families.
Cruising with Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa didn’t call “Shotgun!”
But she ended up in the front seat of Mr. Ambuul’s van in 1983 looking for a place to live in Chicago.
After cruising a few tough neighborhoods around the city, Mother Teresa settled on a home in Pilsen, where sisters of the Missionaries of Charity still reside.
About 15 years later, Ambuul, before he retired from work he removed – the seat Mother Teresa sat in and carried it home.
In his own words
“It’s just a constant reminder of one of the greatest people on this planet,” And that we can all strive to be as god as that person and sit in that chair.”
Contribution of Mother Teresa in reducing gang and street violence
I also want to share another real story of mother Teresa impacting directly and people in our community.
Demetrius grew up in N-Lawndale, a neighborhood dominated by violence and gang activity, Ford’s life was the ring leader of 300 people.
“We were shooting from building to building.
Kids couldn’t go outside. I couldn’t even go out to the store without somebody going with me with two or three guns for protection,” Ford
However, the turning point in his life came during a meeting with Mother Teresa in the 1980s.
“Before Mother Teresa grabbed his hand, perhaps the most powerful thing Dimitri ever held was a gun”
Her compassion towards him offered a contrasting perspective to the life he was leading. This encounter not only inspired change within him but also the profound effect on he made in the community.
Ford’s life might have gone another direction had he not met Mother Teresa.
“I might be dead or locked up or doing some crazy s-,” he said.
The power of love and dedication in the face of adversity can inspire anyone to do good and uplift their communities, just as she did.
Thank you all for your presence today! A special thank you to the children in this room, our inspiring speakers, and the talented piano player for sharing such beautiful melodies with us. Remember, each of us has the power to make a difference. Tonight, all donations will go directly to supporting children in the city of Shkodra, Albania. Let’s come together to create a brighter future for them. Thank you once again—shume faleminderit!