[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 122 (Monday, September 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE ON THE DEATH OF MOTHER TERESA OF 
                                CALCUTTA

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                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 1997

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
passing of the beloved Mother Teresa, the Catholic nun who labored and 
loved the world's poor for over 5 decades. The Prime Minister of India, 
I.K. Gujral, stated that ``The world is mourning.'' He could not have 
been more correct. Indeed, people all over the world were deeply 
saddened on September 5, 1997, and many continue to mourn today.
  Mother Teresa was a woman who is truly destined for sainthood. ``To 
God there is nothing small,'' Mother Teresa once quipped. While Mother 
Teresa was not an imposing figure physically, people that knew her 
personally--those who struggled by her side--commented on the strength, 
empathy and dignity she radiated. She was a gentle giant that truly did 
the Lord's work. Mother Teresa performed the work that many people only 
pay lip-service to. She said: ``I see God in every human being. When I 
wash the leper's wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord himself. Is it 
not a beautiful experience?''
  Mother Teresa nurtured and cared for the dispossessed, the 
downtrodden and the poor in India and the rest of the world. She was 
the Lord's foot-soldier par excellence.
  One of my favorite anecdotes about Mother Teresa tells of her 
cleaning and caring for the infected wounds of an individual in her 
care, when an onlooker commented that ``I would not do that for 
$100,000.'' ``Neither would I,'' she proudly responded. In many 
respects, Mr. Speaker, this summarizes her life, her mission. Mother 
Teresa's spirit may have left her body, but her image and memory will 
remain forever.
  I will end my comments by offering a prayer Mother Teresa composed. 
It is perfect in many ways.

     Make us worthy, Lord,
     To serve our fellow man,
     Throughout the world who live and die
     In poverty or hunger.
     Give them, through our hands
     This day their daily bread,
     and by our understanding love,
     Give peace and joy.

     

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