Calcutta archbishop backs legal warning over misuse of Mother Teresa’s name

Archdiocese where the Missionaries of Charity was founded urges groups to cease unauthorised use of saint’s identity, warns of legal action, and calls for respect for her will and founding principles worldwide.

KOLKATA, West Bengal (Indian Catholic News) — The Calcutta archbishop has endorsed the Missionaries of Charity’s appeal warning individuals and groups misusing Mother Teresa’s name, image and persona for fundraising, saying legal action will follow persistent violations despite repeated warnings.

The intervention follows a formal communication from the Missionaries of Charity, led by Superior General Sr. M. Joseph, expressing concern over widespread unauthorised use of the saint’s identity.

“I would be most grateful for your kind attention to a matter of great concern for us Missionaries of Charity. We have come to know that numerous organizations have been using Mother Teresa’s name and image without permission and engaging in fundraising activities,” the letter states.

Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta, based in the city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) where the Missionaries of Charity has its headquarters, backed the appeal by officially adding his name and signature to the original letter. “Having seen the above letter and recognizing the gravity of the matter stated therein, I hereby endorse it and earnestly recommend that it be widely disseminated by those in positions of authority, and that due attention be given to the Will of St. Teresa of Calcutta, popularly known as Mother Teresa.”

Exclusive rights and founding principles

The congregation stressed that it alone carries forward the legacy of its founder, stating: “The Missionaries of Charity are the only religious congregation founded by Mother Teresa who dedicated her life to the humble service of the poorest of the poor.”

It added that the use of her name for financial purposes directly contradicts her convictions. “She depended solely on Divine Providence and strictly forbade her name or image to be used in connection with fundraising as it was totally against her principles and conviction.”

Reaffirming this stance, the letter said: “The Missionaries of Charity in keeping with Mother Teresa’s principles, do not fundraise but rely solely on Divine Providence in the form of freewill offerings of those who are moved to support our mission.”

The congregation also cited her final wishes regarding control of her identity. “To safeguard the values which she upheld, Mother Teresa bequeathed in her last Will and Testament, and in numerous public statements, all rights related to the ownership or use of her name, image or writings to her successors in the office of the Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity.”

Quoting a public statement from Oct. 14, 1984, the letter recalled Mother Teresa’s warning: “It has happened quite often that the use of my name, even when it has involved the solicitation of funds for worthy charitable purposes, has conflicted with my religious beliefs and those of my Order.”

Concerns over misuse and public deception

The Missionaries of Charity said such practices mislead the public and undermine the saint’s values. “The misuse of Mother Teresa’s name or likeness in promotional materials or appeals for donations misleads the public and violates the principles she embraced.”

It also criticised high-profile events conducted in her name. “Some organizations are staging lavish, media-covered ceremonies and functions in luxurious settings at which awards in Mother Teresa’s name are conferred on individuals and groups.”

The letter warned that “such extravagance runs totally counter to the spirit of poverty, humility and simplicity as lived by Mother Teresa.”

Legal action

Describing the situation as deeply distressing, the congregation said: “The Missionaries of Charity and Mother Teresa’s genuine followers are deeply pained by the abuse of Mother Teresa’s name, image, words and persona by individuals and groups who employ these methods to gain money and recognition on websites and social media platforms.”

It added: “Since this abuse has gone on so long and so far and in spite of many communications and warnings are continuing, we as an organization have finally decided to take legal action against some organizations.”

The letter called on offenders to act immediately: “We, therefore, advise all organizations who are using Mother Teresa’s name in the title of their organizations without our express written permission, or are using Mother Teresa’s name or that of the Missionaries of Charity for their promotional and fundraising activities, to immediately cease and desist and rename their organizations.”

Founded by Mother Teresa in 1950 in Calcutta, the Missionaries of Charity continue their work among the poorest of the poor, seeking to uphold the legacy of their founder in fidelity to her principles. Mother Teresa was canonized in 2016 as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Read the full text of the letter.