On the recordDecember 2, 2010
On August 26, 2010, the world began the year-long celebration of the centenary of the birth of Mother Teresa, the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa's enduring legacy of humility and sacrifice has been heralded across cultures and in many languages throughout the world. And just earlier this year, the United States Postal Service created this stamp in commemoration of Mother Teresa's life's work. Mother Teresa worked among the poor in conditions that would weaken the hardiest. Yet she stood with strength before presidents, kings, and queens. She saved lives and gave countless thousands hope, hope for the leper, hope for the expectant mother who had been abandoned by family and community, hope for the orphaned child who only wanted a helping heart and a home, hope for the indigent poor who sought a meal and belonging. The United States Congress honored Mother Teresa with a U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in 1997. And as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of her birth, I urge my colleagues to join me in again uplifting Mother Teresa's life's work, especially during this time when the world is yearning for meaning.
