    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 36 (Monday, September 8, 1997)]
    [Page 1285]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Death of Mother Teresa

    September 5, 1997

        With the passing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the world has lost
    one of the giants of our time. She gave comfort to the poor, the
    suffering, and the dying, and served as an inspiration and a challenge
    to all of us.
        Hers was a ministry of action--of passion and compassion. She led by
    serving, and showed us the stunning power of simple humility. Her
    unconquerable faith touched the lives of millions of people in India,
    here in the United States, and all around the world. I had the pleasure
    of meeting Mother Teresa when she came to Washington, and I was moved by
    her conviction and courage. Hillary had the privilege of working with
    Mother Teresa and her community to open a home for abandoned babies in
    Washington, and later Hillary and Chelsea had the opportunity to witness
    firsthand the work of Mother Teresa and her community in India.
        The home for the dying she opened in Calcutta almost a half century
    ago is called Nirmal Hriday--``pure heart''--and if ever there was a
    pure heart, it was hers. Mother Teresa is gone, but as the Gospels teach
    us, these things endure: faith, hope, and love. She had them in
    abundance. They will stay with us always.