Introduction 

The entire world associates Mother Teresa with the work of the “poorest of the poor” that she inaugurated on every continent.  But very few have any idea of her real message, of the hidden fire that burned with her and urged her on to do all that she did with such compassion and love.

 There are many who have dedicated themselves to share in this work – as MCs[1], as Co-Workers, or even as occasional volunteers - and many more who simply feel some inner attraction for all that Mother represents.  But in whatever way any of us have been called to share in this work of God, our sharing will only be complete and fruitful to the extent that we too have grasped the driving force behind the work, that we embody the same divine message that first brought Mother from the security of the convent into the teeming slums of Calcutta, and the world.

 That message is simple but staggering that in the poverty and cross of Jesus, God has revealed His Thirst for us and for our love.  But it is more than just a message – it is first of all a reality to be encountered and experienced, over and over again, each time in a deeper way.