Skopje, 26 August 2025 (MIA) - A selection of photos and quotations capturing the essence of the mission of one of the greatest humanitarians of our time, Mother Teresa, to be the light where there is darkness, are part of an exhibition titled “Peace Starts with a Smile”, opened Tuesday at the Mother Teresa Memorial House to mark her 115th birth anniversary. 

Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov and the Bishop of Skopje, Kiro Stojanov, attended the opening. 

“We’re gathered here today not only to pay tribute to her life and work, but also to remind ourselves of the values she represented and lived by – love, empathy, forgiveness, caring for the weakest and the strength of a one sincere and human gesture – to smile. With this exhibition we want to remind people that goodness doesn’t require wealth, it requires will. That peace doesn’t start with negotiations, but with a smile and willingness to do something good for the others,” Sonja Kuzmanovska, acting director of the Mother Teresa Memorial House, said.  

The photographs will remind ourselves of Mother Teresa’s unselfish live for the sick and the poor, custodian Snezhana Aleksovska said. 

“Mother Teresa’s life and work represent the eternal light and serve as a lasting reminder of the true values – humanity, love and peace. Peace starts in ourselves. We cannot achieve real peace in the world unless we cherish the peace within ourselves. Smile is very important. If we fail to smile, we’ll find it hard to find peace – in us and around us. Peace is built with understanding, empathy and love,” said Aleksovska. 

“Mother”, a film inspired by Mother Teresa’s life, will have a world premiere at the 81st Venice Film Festival, which opens tomorrow. It is directed by Macedonian director Teona Strugar Mitevska.

A holly mass will take place on September 5 at 8 am at the Mother Teresa Memorial House, where Mother Teresa’s relics will be displayed. 

Photo: MIA