[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 137 (Wednesday, October 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE OF MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 2003

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition 
of the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who will be beatified by Pope 
John Paul II in Rome, on October 19 of this year. Mother Teresa was a 
heroic woman who was exceptional in her time on earth. We are all truly 
blessed in having been able to bear witness to the life and works of 
such an extraordinary woman. At 18 years of age Mother Teresa entered 
the convent, and from that point until her passing on September 5, 
1997, she lived a selfless life. She is known mostly for her efforts 
with the destitute population of Calcutta, however, the hand of Mother 
Teresa extends much farther than the borders of India. Around the globe 
this remarkable woman served as a beacon for all that is good and pure 
in this world. She was the recipient of a host of awards; most notably, 
but not exclusive to, the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1979.
  In the first week of September, six years ago, the world suffered an 
enormous blow. The woman who once said ``there is joy in transcending 
self to serve others'' was taken from us. In less than one month's 
time, this woman, who was the cornerstone for benevolence for the vast 
majority of the 20th century, will receive her immortality in the eyes 
of the Catholic Church. In light of her impending beatification for her 
life's work I would like to recognize and honor the memory of Mother 
Teresa of Calcutta.

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