Barbara Mikulski: “in a week already saddened by the loss of Diana, Princess of Wales, we were further grieved to learn Friday of the death…”

“in a week already saddened by the loss of Diana, Princess of Wales, we were further grieved to learn Friday of the death of Mother Teresa. Her presence, that of a living saint, will be sorely missed. Mother Teresa has played the role of world conscience. Throughout her life, she has lived in the most pure and basic manner. While caring for the destitute and sick, she insisted on living in poverty herself. Mother Teresa believed that "the more we empty ourselves, the more room we give God to fill us." She practiced what she preached. Mother Teresa's remarkable and selfless works have been recognized around the world. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1980, she was bestowed India's highest honor, the Jewel of India award. Last year, President Clinton conferred honorary American citizenship on Mother Teresa. Most recently, she was awarded a congressional Medal of Honor. Mother Teresa knew that these were merely earthly rewards. While she was an international figure, she remained focused and committed to her mission. She rejected the media attention these awards drew, saying that she must get back to her work. Any money that came with these awards was immediately given to the poor. Mother Teresa will be sadly missed but her work will continue. I pray that Sister Nirmala will be given the same strength and world support to continue the mission Mother Teresa founded in 1948, the Order of the Missionaries of Charity.”