Kathryn was born in the Himalayas. However, both her parents were English and had the same desire of "going out to India, spreading the Gospel message and serving the poor," explains my guest.
Living in Vienna as a young girl, Kathryn remembers her parents taking in refugees who were seeking political asylum and it was normal to have refugees sleeping on their floor regularly. These memories had a profound effect on Kathryn and she was certain that this is how her interests in helping the less fortunate came to be.
Kathryn shares that her mother was not warm and fuzzy but she was from the generation of tough and strong women. Kathryn always felt very loved. Ruby was a teacher and taught her daughter and other children from the Embassy. Ruby was determined that Kathryn would not be spoiled. Kathryn was soon sent to boarding school because her parents were working and traveling regularly.
"A little pencil in God's hand" is how Mother Teresa would refer to herself. She never wanted credit or accolades for her work. "She could be a tough cookie," Spink reflects however, "she was difficult to deal with sometimes, because God was so definitely on her side and that could make things tough. Mother Teresa was so determined, nothing could get in her way."
"Poverty saddened Mother Teresa the most according to Kathryn, "I don't think it angered her not in relation to God. Waste most likely angered her the most but never with God."
Mother Teresa was always seeing the presence of God in the poor and it helped her persevere. "Tolerance was deeply ingrained in Mother Theresa" explains Ms. Spink. "Mother Teresa believed that God was at work in every soul, so it wasn't up to her to try and convince others of the 'correct/best religion."
My guest remarks "Mother Teresa used to say "come to Calcutta and I'll put you to work". This is what this demure but mighty woman believed with her whole body, mind and spirit.
Kathryn even shared stories of the similarities between Mother Teresa, whose birth name was Agnes, and her mother Drana. "The family that prays together, stays together" was one of Drana's favorite expressions according to Spink. Caring for the sick was a common thread for the two woman.
"It's not always about the physical suffering, but the whole process of being abandoned by people" was one of the toughest things for Mother Teresa to comes to terms with, comments Spink.
Mother Teresa founded the order, "The Missionaries of Charities." She wanted to give shelter to abandoned babies and to help the poorest of the poor. In 1979 she received the Nobel Peace Prize and after her death was canonized as Saint Teresa.
I could have listened for hours to my guest share her stories of all of these selfless women.
Mother Teresa was known as 'Mother' because when a nun/sister is appointed to a superior position within the church, they are known as 'Mother.'
INFORMATION:
Kathryn Spink is the author of several books on the work of Mother Teresa and her coworkers, as well as other inspiring contemporary figures, including Brother Roger of Taize, Beede Griffiths, Dominique LaPierre, Prince Charles’ and Lady Diana Spencer and more. My guest is also the chronicler of the “South African Women's Human Rights Organization.”
https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/kathryn-spink-20167212026170
"Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers and the roles they play in our lives. And my guests answer the question, 'are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother'? You'll be amazed at what the responses are.
"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal relationships with their mother.
Some of my guests include Baritone Singer Christopheren Nomura, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Tim Wacker, Activist Kim Miller, Freighter Sea Captain Terry Viscount, Film Production Manager Peg Robinson, Professor of Writing Montclair State University Dr. Bridget Brown, Tammy Steckler, attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter Mark Heingartner, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Maryellen Valyo Cole and Roger Evens, Property Manager in New Jersey and so many more talented and insightful women and men.
I've worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. I've interviewed so many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.
A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created my logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".
Check out my website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/
Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo
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