[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23241]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       IN PRAISE OF MOTHER TERESA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2003

  Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I cannot hope to give fitting praise to 
Mother Teresa's impeccable legacy of generosity and selflessness on the 
occasion of her beatification by Pope John Paul II. Reflecting on her 
Christ-like attitude and example of loving charity, I share feelings of 
awe and deep respect with so many others who can't help but venerate 
this heroic woman.
  I had the great honor of attending Mother Teresa's funeral in 
Calcutta, her adopted home and base of her own order, Missionaries of 
Charity. Representing the U.S. Congress on this occasion, I was once 
again humbled by her devotion to some of the world's most destitute 
citizens. Not only did this ``angel of mercy'' ease the physical 
horrors of so many hopeless people, she treated them as God's own 
children, leaving a global impression with her hands-on determination.
  While Mother Teresa's impact was always felt by the impoverished in 
India, her inspirational spirit infused charitable objectives and even 
public policy on an international scale. She aided victims of war and 
tragedy in every circumstance, from those dying of AIDS in New York to 
the desperate in Beirut and Palestine. Ever-mindful of the sanctity of 
even unborn human life, the good nun is known for asserting that ``a 
child is a gift from God. If you do not want him, give him to me.'' As 
Pope John Paul II prepares to beatify this truly virtuous woman, I pray 
that her fearless displays of unconditional love and charity may 
forever encourage us all.

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