"Find the sick, the suffering and the lonely right there where you are. . . . You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have the eyes to see." --Mother Teresa Lifelong educator Mary Poplin, after experiencing a newfound awakening to faith, sent a letter to Calcutta asking if she could visit Mother Teresa and volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity. She received a response saying, "You are welcome to share in our works of love for the poorest of the poor." So in the spring of 1996, Poplin spent two months in Calcutta as a volunteer. There she observed Mother Teresa's life of work and service to the poor, participating in the community's commitments to simplicity and mercy. Mother Teresa's unabashedly religious work stands in countercultural contrast to the limitations of our secular age. Poplin's journey gives us an inside glimpse into one of the most influential lives of the twentieth century and the lessons Mother Teresa continues to offer. Upon Poplin's return, she soon discovered that God was calling her to serve the university world with the same kind of holistic service with which Mother Teresa served Calcutta. Not everyone can go to Calcutta. But all of us can find our own meaningful work and service. Come and answer the call to find Calcutta!
Finding Calcutta
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"A profound journey of the heart, head and hands in which Mary Poplin discovers her own 'Calcutta'--the classroom with its students in whom seeds of life must be sown for the life of the world to come." (Kelly Monroe Kullberg, founder, The Veritas Forum, and author of Finding God Beyond Harvard: The Quest for Veritas)
"Mary Poplin's pilgrimage of discovering Christ among the most vulnerable of the world's poor is an accessible and inspiring invitation to us all. Her honesty, thoughtfulness and reflections are an important provocation for those who find their realities separated from our sisters and brothers who suffer today. Mary does an excellent job of building the bridges between the insulated and isolated lack of experience of poverty in academia and the oppression and injustice on the streets of one of the world's poorest cities. Her interactions and stories of Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity are a true glimpse of grace and a sweet reminder that God is with and among those who suffer most. Honest, thoughtful and reflective, Finding Calcutta will challenge you to love more freely where you find yourself." (Christopher L. Heuertz, international director, Word Made Flesh, and author of Simple Spirituality: Learning to See God in a Broken World)
"Mary Poplin's spiritually nurturing account of her experiences with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta is a loving portrait of a true work of God. In these pages readers encounter Mother Teresa's deep spiritual wisdom as a call to reflection, repentance and a renewed concern for 'the poorest of the poor' as bearers of Christ's image. There is spiritual refreshment here for believer and doubter alike." (James A. Herrick, Guy Vander Jagt Professor of Communication, Hope College, author of The Making of the New Spirituality and Scientific Mythologies)
"Mary Poplin found her first Calcutta in India as she volunteered in Mother Teresa's ministry to the poorest of the poor. She found her second Calcutta in her own university as she returned to recognize that the poorest of the poor are not always those with no material wealth but those with no knowledge of God and nowhere to find it. The story of her transformed spiritual life segues beautifully into the story of her transformed academic life. An exciting book of great wisdom." (James W. Sire, author of The Universe Next Door and Habits of the Mind)
"In this poignant, elegant, humble memoir, Poplin gives us far more than Mother Teresa or even another Mother Teresa story. She gives us instead the Jesus and the Christianity that operated through Mother Teresa. Poplin's experience of finding Calcutta irrevocably changed her soul. It will change yours as well." (Phyllis Tickle, former religion editor, Publishers Weekly, and compiler of The Divine Hours)
"If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be a worldly California academic curious enough to volunteer in Mother Teresa's Calcutta Mission, prepare to be surprised. After struggling to translate her experience there for a secular audience, Dr. Poplin has ended by translating her readers into Mother Teresa's own unfamiliar, spiritual dimension. Watch out--you will not be able to keep from meditating." (C. John Sommerville, author of The Decline of the Secular University)
"Having been the spiritual director of the Missionaries of Charity in Asia for many years, I read Mary Poplin's book with keen interest and fond memories of these remarkable women. Finding Calcutta is a love story between God and two women, Mother Teresa and the author. In describing her encounter and the lessons learned with 'God's pencil,' Mary Poplin has penned 'something beautiful for God.' This book not only captures the spirituality of Mother Teresa and her sisters but also reminds us of an important principle in spiritual formation that God taught its author: our own Calcutta is most often right smack where we are." (Albert Haase, O.F.M., director, School of Spirituality at Mayslake Ministries, and author of Coming Home to Your True Self: Leaving the Emptiness of False Attractions)
"Mary Poplin seeks to integrate her experience with Mother Teresa into her work and life and to come together with others who hunger and thirst. This book can be a platform to gather those of us so disposed so that the flame is not lost and will continue to produce abundant fruit, fruits of eternal life." (Father Angelo Devananda Scolozzi, U.F.W., Centro de Espiritualidad Madre Teresa, Chihuahua, Mexico)
"Mary Poplin takes us on a pilgrimage toward clarity about who we are and what our life amounts to. The pilgrimage is simultaneously through Calcutta and through the heart of the 'sophisticated' dynamics of university life in America. As it proceeds we gain a better understanding of the social forces that govern the university in the name of intellect--but falsely so. It will be of special help to those engaged in academic life, at whatever level. They will find here a guide who has been grasped by God and enabled to see that life and the surrounding cultural world for what they really are, and what under God they could be." (Dallas Willard, professor of philosophy, University of Southern California, and author of The Divine Conspiracy and Hearing God)
"Mary Poplin's pilgrimage of discovering Christ among the most vulnerable of the world's poor is an accessible and inspiring invitation to us all. Her honesty, thoughtfulness and reflections are an important provocation for those who find their realities separated from our sisters and brothers who suffer today. Mary does an excellent job of building the bridges between the insulated and isolated lack of experience of poverty in academia and the oppression and injustice on the streets of one of the world's poorest cities. Her interactions and stories of Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity are a true glimpse of grace and a sweet reminder that God is with and among those who suffer most. Honest, thoughtful and reflective, Finding Calcutta will challenge you to love more freely where you find yourself." (Christopher L. Heuertz, international director, Word Made Flesh, and author of Simple Spirituality: Learning to See God in a Broken World)
"Mary Poplin's spiritually nurturing account of her experiences with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta is a loving portrait of a true work of God. In these pages readers encounter Mother Teresa's deep spiritual wisdom as a call to reflection, repentance and a renewed concern for 'the poorest of the poor' as bearers of Christ's image. There is spiritual refreshment here for believer and doubter alike." (James A. Herrick, Guy Vander Jagt Professor of Communication, Hope College, author of The Making of the New Spirituality and Scientific Mythologies)
"Mary Poplin found her first Calcutta in India as she volunteered in Mother Teresa's ministry to the poorest of the poor. She found her second Calcutta in her own university as she returned to recognize that the poorest of the poor are not always those with no material wealth but those with no knowledge of God and nowhere to find it. The story of her transformed spiritual life segues beautifully into the story of her transformed academic life. An exciting book of great wisdom." (James W. Sire, author of The Universe Next Door and Habits of the Mind)
"In this poignant, elegant, humble memoir, Poplin gives us far more than Mother Teresa or even another Mother Teresa story. She gives us instead the Jesus and the Christianity that operated through Mother Teresa. Poplin's experience of finding Calcutta irrevocably changed her soul. It will change yours as well." (Phyllis Tickle, former religion editor, Publishers Weekly, and compiler of The Divine Hours)
"If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be a worldly California academic curious enough to volunteer in Mother Teresa's Calcutta Mission, prepare to be surprised. After struggling to translate her experience there for a secular audience, Dr. Poplin has ended by translating her readers into Mother Teresa's own unfamiliar, spiritual dimension. Watch out--you will not be able to keep from meditating." (C. John Sommerville, author of The Decline of the Secular University)
"Having been the spiritual director of the Missionaries of Charity in Asia for many years, I read Mary Poplin's book with keen interest and fond memories of these remarkable women. Finding Calcutta is a love story between God and two women, Mother Teresa and the author. In describing her encounter and the lessons learned with 'God's pencil,' Mary Poplin has penned 'something beautiful for God.' This book not only captures the spirituality of Mother Teresa and her sisters but also reminds us of an important principle in spiritual formation that God taught its author: our own Calcutta is most often right smack where we are." (Albert Haase, O.F.M., director, School of Spirituality at Mayslake Ministries, and author of Coming Home to Your True Self: Leaving the Emptiness of False Attractions)
"Mary Poplin seeks to integrate her experience with Mother Teresa into her work and life and to come together with others who hunger and thirst. This book can be a platform to gather those of us so disposed so that the flame is not lost and will continue to produce abundant fruit, fruits of eternal life." (Father Angelo Devananda Scolozzi, U.F.W., Centro de Espiritualidad Madre Teresa, Chihuahua, Mexico)
"Mary Poplin takes us on a pilgrimage toward clarity about who we are and what our life amounts to. The pilgrimage is simultaneously through Calcutta and through the heart of the 'sophisticated' dynamics of university life in America. As it proceeds we gain a better understanding of the social forces that govern the university in the name of intellect--but falsely so. It will be of special help to those engaged in academic life, at whatever level. They will find here a guide who has been grasped by God and enabled to see that life and the surrounding cultural world for what they really are, and what under God they could be." (Dallas Willard, professor of philosophy, University of Southern California, and author of The Divine Conspiracy and Hearing God)
About the Author
Mary Poplin (Ph.D., University of Texas) is a professor of education at Claremont Graduate University in California, where she has served as director of the teacher education program and dean of the School of Educational Studies. Poplin conducts research inside urban classrooms and schools that promote both justice and accountability. She teaches courses on pedagogy, history and philosophy of education, as well as Christian principles related to these areas. She is also a frequent speaker at Veritas Forums and for both Protestant and Catholic retreats across the country.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Deep down, my absolute favorite thing to do is shop. As I write this, I'm internally scheming how to get the biggest bang for my buck on my next errand. I like things, especially pretty ones, and acquiring them makes me feel good. As I've come to recognize this passion of mine, I've found it nagging at me a bit. I know people who hate to shop. On top of that, they also hate to accumulate clutter. Their personality enhances their ability to live simply. Not me. I feel better with full bookshelves, cupboards, and drawers. I find malls comforting and thrift stores exhilarating. Quite likely, my pension to store up treasures here on earth runs a bit too deep.
Enter: Mother Teresa, Mary Poplin, Ron Sider, and Shane Claibourne. Since recognizing the grip that my materialism has on me, I've embarked on a slow (and slightly reluctant) quest to examine it. I owned the book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (by Ron Sider) for about five years before I had the guts to actually read it. Then I joined the crowd reading Irresistible Revolution to find myself completely captured by its fresh and clear vision. This fall, I came across Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa taught me about meaningful work and service by Mary Poplin. I've long admired Mother Teresa's work and wisdom; and have also wanted to hear more from Mary Poplin since she spoke on education and poverty at the university where I teach. In spite of my reluctance, my worldview is being reshaped by such books, and my shopping habits are certainly being redefined!
Whereas Rich Christians is factual and data-full, Irresistible Revolution is passionate, funny, and, well, irresistible and revolutionary, Finding Calcutta is simple and focusing.... Read more ›
Enter: Mother Teresa, Mary Poplin, Ron Sider, and Shane Claibourne. Since recognizing the grip that my materialism has on me, I've embarked on a slow (and slightly reluctant) quest to examine it. I owned the book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (by Ron Sider) for about five years before I had the guts to actually read it. Then I joined the crowd reading Irresistible Revolution to find myself completely captured by its fresh and clear vision. This fall, I came across Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa taught me about meaningful work and service by Mary Poplin. I've long admired Mother Teresa's work and wisdom; and have also wanted to hear more from Mary Poplin since she spoke on education and poverty at the university where I teach. In spite of my reluctance, my worldview is being reshaped by such books, and my shopping habits are certainly being redefined!
Whereas Rich Christians is factual and data-full, Irresistible Revolution is passionate, funny, and, well, irresistible and revolutionary, Finding Calcutta is simple and focusing.... Read more ›
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Many have written about Mother Teresa and her work in the very needy city of Calcutta and across the world. This author, a new Christian,and teaching in an American, university, took her sabbatical to work with Mother Teresa for several months. Her intent was to learn how to apply these princpals of working for Jesus to her own life.
The author describes her spiritual journey during the sabbatical and how
returning to the teaching world in the US she was able to apply these principals to the university world in which she was living and teaching.
It is simply written, but deeply spiritual. For anyone wanting to serve Christ in their own career path, this is the book to read.
The author describes her spiritual journey during the sabbatical and how
returning to the teaching world in the US she was able to apply these principals to the university world in which she was living and teaching.
It is simply written, but deeply spiritual. For anyone wanting to serve Christ in their own career path, this is the book to read.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By John Murphy
Format:Paperback
Mary Poplin went to Calcutta to work with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity. This is her story of what she learned while there. It is an excellent introduction into the life and spiritual insight of Mother Teresa. The book is well written and conducive to a small group study if one uses the questions in the back of the book.
She would probably hate me saying this, but Mary Poplin is one of my heroes. She was a radical feminist who comes to faith in Jesus and is radically changed. She has a winsome and beautiful personality that comes through clearly in her personal testimony[...]
She would probably hate me saying this, but Mary Poplin is one of my heroes. She was a radical feminist who comes to faith in Jesus and is radically changed. She has a winsome and beautiful personality that comes through clearly in her personal testimony[...]
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By L. Singleton
Format:Paperback
I found this book extremely valuable for the inspiring (and challenging) real-life picture it offered of what a life of service in Christ can be. Poplin's transparency in her own journey allows you to walk along with her in humble astonishment at God's work through Mother Teresa and the sisters, and through Poplin herself as she opens her life to God's shaping hand. I've already given copies of this book to about 7 different female friends who are in the medical field, in ministry, teaching, or just at home with children, and several of them have not only told me in raving terms how much they are enjoying it but that they've already recommended it to friends themselves. For Christians in academia, Poplin's appendix suggesting a new vision for the university will also be of special interest.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Mary Poplin invites you to take a journey with her. Two or three hours of your time could hardly be more wisely invested. She tells a story of how she found a clear calling in her own life through a brief period of volunteer service with Mother Teresa.
When you read, don't expect a prescription for your own life. Expect to follow a pathway of reflection, even mystery as you stand before the One Who Calls each of us. Mother Teresa's God-directed ways are not familiar. Self-imposed poverty. Love through care for the poorest of the poor. All done without grumbling, rather with prayer and praise.
Let Dr. Poplin take you along in Finding Calcutta; you may find your own calling.
When you read, don't expect a prescription for your own life. Expect to follow a pathway of reflection, even mystery as you stand before the One Who Calls each of us. Mother Teresa's God-directed ways are not familiar. Self-imposed poverty. Love through care for the poorest of the poor. All done without grumbling, rather with prayer and praise.
Let Dr. Poplin take you along in Finding Calcutta; you may find your own calling.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
A Kid's Review
Format:Paperback
Amazing book, amazing story about the wonderful sacrificial love Mother Teresa had in her life. She is a worthy example to all of us of what it means to love even the unlovable. Her trust in God, her faith, her ability to cope and her ability to inspire us all was wonderfully communicated through this book. It was such an inspiring book I have written about it several times at [...]
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I would highly recommend this book for people who want to grow in their walk with God. It presents important principles for living by faith told as a first-hand testimony of a relatively new believer. The author lived much of her life discounting the reality of Jesus and Christianity. She saw it only as a religious creation of humankind. In Finding Calcutta, she shows how faith and religious practice are to complement one another as she learns from one of the most sincere and transparent disciples of our generation - Mother Teresa.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
An honest and open story
I appreciate Poplin's honesty in portraying what she experienced in Calcutta while volunteering during her sabbatical to work with the Missionaries of Charity. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Good Books Only!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not What You Think
Don't let the cover fool you. It's not about Mother Theresa. Instead it's the story of a Professor of Education at Claremont Graduate School and her turn from a life of New Age,... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Barry K. Dearborn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Significantly moving and inspiring
Not only did the author's story acquaint the reader with Mother Teresa, but it inspired me to be better person. And many times throughout, it was quite moving, to tears, even. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Shakeh
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
I really like Mary Poplin. Thank you for sharing about your experience with Mother Teresa. We have a lot to learn from her.
Published 6 months ago by michael degarmo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable and Thought Provoking
I purchased this book after reading Poplin's Veritas Lecture in _A Place for Truth_. I was not disappointed in Poplin's story or thought provoking analysis of her experience. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Kevin W. Haug
5.0 out of 5 stars
Satisfied
The book arrived in a short time and in great condition. Enjoyed reading it. What an inspiration Mother Teresa was!
Published 21 months ago by Jane L.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work...
I loved this book. It gave me such respect for not just Mother Teresa, but also the other nuns that walk besider her, serving the poorest of the poor with such faithfulness,... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Jan Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars
finding "Calcutta" in your own community
Finding Calcutta provides amazing insight into the motivation behind Mother Teresa's work, as well as, insight into transferring God's love in action to individual communities... Read more
Published on February 13, 2011 by Debbie Dyer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Easy but insightful read
This book is a quick read of short vignettes covering Mary Poplin's religious observations about the three months she spent volunteering with Mother Theresa. Read more
Published on December 15, 2009 by Knud A. Hermansen
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