St. Teresa of Calcutta – patron of the humble and the poor

“Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity and obedience. It is in humility that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent. If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed you will not be discouraged. If they call you a saint, you will not put yourself on a pedestal.” — St. Teresa of Calcutta

List of Humility – 15 Practices

1. Speak as little as possible about yourself.
2. Mind your own affairs rather than those of others.
3. Avoid idle curiosity.
4. Do not interfere in other people’s matters.
5. Accept small irritations with good humour.
6. Do not dwell on the faults of others.
7. Accept corrections, even when they seem unjust.
8. Yield to the will of others.
9. Accept insults and injuries.
10. Accept being forgotten and disregarded.
11. Be courteous and gentle, even when provoked.
12. Do not seek to be admired or loved.
13. Do not defend yourself on the grounds of your dignity.
14. Give in during discussions, even when you are right.
15. Always choose the more difficult task.

How to understand humility: faith and discernment

This list is not a “code of submissiveness.” It requires faith (grace to persevere) and discernment (wisdom to know when to be silent and when to defend truth and the person who is wronged). It does not apply to immoral or unlawful situations—there a Christian must practise active charity and defend the good. Humility is not passivity; it is the stance of someone rooted in God who knows who they are and therefore does not need to live for applause.

1) “Speak as little as possible about yourself”

Not false modesty, but letting deeds speak louder than words. Free the heart from the urge to self-promote; room for God and neighbour appears where the “I” grows quiet.

2–4) Discretion, respect, no gossip

“Avoid curiosity” does not mean “do not care for people.” St. Teresa warns against idle peeking that breeds comparisons, meddling and judgment. Ask: does what I know and say actually serve love?

5) Good humour in small annoyances

Holiness begins in the kitchen and in traffic. A smile at small irritations trains the heart for bigger crosses— from unexpected duties to unfair assessments. Small victories build perseverance.

6) Don’t collect others’ faults

Instead of replaying a spouse’s, child’s or neighbour’s mistakes, make an examination of conscience of your own tongue, tone and grievances. “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Mt 7:1)—God alone knows the heart.

7–10) When blame and oblivion touch you

Counter-cultural yet evangelical: Christ conquered through the Cross. To accept a rebuke—even unjust—does not mean abandoning truth; it means not handing your heart over to anger. Dignity is God’s gift, not a trophy to defend at all costs.

11) Courtesy under provocation

Gentleness in anger is a fruit of the Holy Spirit—strength, not weakness. Before replying, pray: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.”

12–13) Do not live for applause

Your worth comes from God. People’s approval can be lovely but it is fleeting. Peace of heart matters more than “winning” an exchange. Better to lose face before people than to lose love before God.

14–15) Yield and choose the harder way

Not every discussion must be won. Sometimes greater love is to yield and take on the more demanding task for the common good: being first to apologise, taking the least popular duty, choosing silence over a sharp retort.

Everyday practice (family – work – parish)

• Family: less emphasis on faults, more gratitude; daily small kindness; forgive before night falls.
• Work: reliability over self-promotion; courteous written tone; punctuality as charity to others.
• Parish: serve rather than shine; speak well of the absent; ask and thank; build bridges across groups.
• Social media: share what edifies; avoid snap judgments; converse rather than “win.”

A simple parish plan: 15 weeks of humility

1. Week 1: “Speak less about yourself” — practice: one deliberate self-omission per day.
2. Week 2: “Mind your own affairs” — practice: no commentary on others’ choices unless asked.
3. Week 3: “Avoid curiosity” — practice: no doom-scrolling for gossip or sensation.
4. Week 4: “Do not interfere” — practice: pray first; then, if needed, offer discreet help.
5. Week 5: “Irritations with humour” — practice: smile + short prayer at each small annoyance.
6. Week 6: “Do not dwell on faults” — practice: one kind word about each person I’m tempted to judge.
7. Week 7: “Accept corrections” — practice: listen fully; ask, “What can I improve?”
8. Week 8: “Yield to others’ will” — practice: choose film/meal per loved ones without grumbling.
9. Week 9: “Accept injuries” — practice: offer one injustice to God without retaliation.
10. Week 10: “Forgotten, disregarded” — practice: thank God for hiddenness; seek His gaze.
11. Week 11: “Courtesy under provocation” — practice: respond gently once a day despite tension.
12. Week 12: “Do not seek admiration” — practice: post nothing “for likes.”
13. Week 13: “Do not defend dignity” — practice: give up the last word.
14. Week 14: “Yield in discussions” — practice: consciously let a small point go.
15. Week 15: “Choose the harder task” — practice: take the least attractive duty at home/parish.

Prayer through the intercession of St. Teresa

Lord Jesus, meek and humble of heart, teach us the way of humility. Through the intercession of St. Teresa of Calcutta, make our hearts simple, patient and ready to serve. Grant us the grace to recognise Your will in daily life and the courage to love in small things. Amen.

The List of Humility is a path to freedom from opinions, pride and discouragement. Together—as families and as a parish community—we can make it a simple formation plan: one point per week, a brief examination of conscience, one concrete resolution. May the example of St. Teresa lead us deeper into union with Christ and into the joy of small things done with great love.