Dominique chose to depict Mother Teresa with a child in distress. Mother felt it her mission to give solace and comfort to the dying, and that sometimes included children. Mother founded over 700 houses throughout the world. Many of those contained not only shelters for those who were dying, but orphanages for abandoned children.

In her description of the painting, Dominique stated: "Teresa of Calcutta, now recognized as a saint, in her sari uniform (habit), is holding an Indian child. She has this complex expression on her face which seems mixed compassion and reproach. Holding the child tightly, protecting her from this unfeeling world, where the suffering of the innocent goes often unnoticed. Mother Teresa was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation of women dedicated to helping the poor. In this portrait painting, she is holding a baby, trying to save her life, mother of adoption, acting like a saint."