On a crisp December morning in Rome, a group of women gathered not for their usual Bible study but to bring Christmas gifts to a homeless shelter run by the Missionaries of Charity. This order, founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, is renowned for its unwavering dedication to serving “the poorest of the poor.”

Upon arrival, the women were warmly greeted by a petite Indian sister dressed in the iconic white sari trimmed with blue. With a serene smile, she led them through the modest shelter and into a small chapel, where a simple tabernacle flanked by a crucifix bore the words “I thirst.” Inviting them to sit and pray, she softly posed reflective questions:

“Ask the Lord,” she began, “How can I be a channel of peace to people? How can I be a sign of hope to my family, where I may be struggling with my husband, children, or friends? How can I become the sign of hope in the place where we are?”

These questions resonate deeply with the Advent season, a time rooted in hope and preparation for the coming of Christ. It is also a season of almsgiving and acts of charity, which the Missionaries of Charity exemplify daily, living out their charism as a way of life, not merely a liturgical observance.

María Teresa Ávila Fuentes, a doctoral student at the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, has dedicated years to studying the “transformational power of charity” demonstrated by the Missionaries of Charity. Her research delves into how the sisters’ simple yet profound acts of love ripple through the communities they serve and inspire transformative changes in the lives of volunteers and laypeople.

“Love is expansive,” Fuentes explained, referencing Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical "Caritas in Veritate". “Charity impacts not only micro relations but also macro relations — society, culture, economy. Everything gets impacted by charity because charity is agape love.”

Through interviews, Fuentes has uncovered powerful stories of transformation. People inspired by the sisters’ example have adopted children, changed careers, or even founded NGOs and schools. Volunteers often recount how witnessing the sisters’ profound relationship with the poor — and experiencing their warmth themselves — has changed their perspectives and priorities.

“Precisely because they become so small and so empty, God is able to fill them so generously,” Fuentes shared. This radical simplicity and trust in God’s providence underscore the Missionaries of Charity’s work. They do not fundraise or seek recognition, and even their presence in this article is mediated through lay witnesses, as the sisters themselves are not permitted to be quoted or photographed.

One sister encapsulated their mission: “We don’t have to do big things to be a sign of hope. A smile, a compassionate look, just a listening attitude, a welcoming attitude. We’ll be happy if we’ve given five minutes to someone patiently and lovingly. At the end of the day, I was able to do something good with God’s grace.”

This simplicity reflects Mother Teresa’s belief that small acts of love, done with great devotion, have the power to transform hearts and communities. For the Missionaries of Charity, this transformation is not limited to Advent but is a continuous expression of hope and love.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Advent as a time to renew the “ancient expectancy of the Messiah” and prepare for Christ’s coming. This year, Advent takes on an additional significance as it leads up to the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” beginning on Christmas Eve. For the Missionaries of Charity and their collaborators, this theme resonates profoundly as their work embodies the essence of hope — bringing dignity to the destitute, companionship to the lonely, and a home for the neglected.

“What is beautiful,” Fuentes reflected, “is that since they live this total surrender, you ring the doorbell and just say, ‘I want to volunteer,’ and God will have something prepared for you there with the sisters.”

Fuentes herself experienced this transformation. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, she spent five months volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, working in a home for children with disabilities. “It transformed me,” she said. Inspired by this experience, she left her teaching career to pursue her doctoral research, exploring the ripple effects of charity.

Today, the Missionaries of Charity continue their work in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including Gaza, Kiev, and Syria. They have also launched the “I Thirst” apostolate, inviting laypeople to grow in Mother Teresa’s charism and serve others with love and humility.

As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in "Caritas in Veritate", “Love — caritas — is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace. It is a force that has its origin in God, Eternal Love and Absolute Truth.” This Advent, as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming, may we too embrace this transformational power of charity and become signs of hope in our families, communities, and the world.