[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MOTHER TERESA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, this week we pay tribute to Mother Teresa, 
a selfless woman who received her calling from God and devoted much of 
her life to caring for the poor and needy. She was a miracle worker who 
consistently put others ahead of herself; a woman who believed the 
worst tragedy was to be someone to no one. She spent her life relating 
to audiences the need to tell the poor that they are somebody to us. 
She said, ``they too have been created by the same loving hand of God, 
to love and be loved.''
  Mother Teresa was a living saint, drawing both the rich and poor to 
her side and to the message of God. I have followed her work over the 
years and have lived my own life by her edict that we must love one 
another and care for one another. She was an amazing woman and a 
willing servant of God. Her compassion, piety, and devotion will truly 
be missed.
  Mr. Speaker, when Mother Teresa was alive, she relied on herself and 
on her followers to aid the needy. She obtained financial assistance 
from individuals and corporate benefactors. I believe in this same 
philosophy and have gotten involved with the Renewal Alliance, a group 
of Congressmen and Senators, to educate others that local problems can 
be cured with community solutions. Stronger families, churches, and 
community organizations--the backbone of America--can provide the 
solutions to problems created by poverty, broken families, substance 
abuse, and loss of hope.
  Mother Teresa was a marvelous woman. Her work will not soon be 
forgotten. To that end, I will continue to further promote her message 
of hope and love through my work with the Renewal Alliance. By working 
together with families and communities, we can make more of a 
difference than government assistance ever could. Mother Teresa should 
serve as an example to everyone. I encourage all those across the 
Nation to reach out to their families, churches, and neighborhoods. 
Improving the lives of the less fortunate should be our top priority.

                          ____________________