(6 Jun 1997) English/Nat
Partisan wrangling came to a halt and an unusual silence cloaked the Capitol on Thursday - if only for an hour - as Mother Teresa came to Congress.
The 86-year-old Roman Catholic nun, on her first extended trip since a series of illnesses threatened her life last year, heard a steady stream of praise from lawmakers and other dignitaries as they celebrated the recent passage of legislation to honor her with the Congressional Gold Medal.
The award is Congress' most prestigious civilian honor.
Mother Teresa was greeted by a standing ovation as she arrived at the Congressional awards ceremony to receive the body's highest honors.
Lawmakers and other dignitaries praised the work of the 86 year old nun and the inspiration she has had on the world.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
" The congress finds that mother Teresa is a tool of god. The congress finds that God's love flowing through Mother Teresa has forever impacted the culture and history of the world. And the congress also finds that Mother Teresa truly leads by example, and shows the people of the world the way to live and love for mankind."
SUPERCAPTION:
U.S. Congressman Newt Gingrich also praised her inspirational work.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Mother Teresa's life is witness, that the humble can be famous, that the weak can be powerful, that the meek can have strength, and that love can overcome hate. And it is because of that great witness, that Senator Thurman and I are honored to present to mother Teresa on behalf of the United States of America, this presentation of a Bill which was passed in her name."
SUPERCAPTION: Newt Gingrich, Rep. Speaker of the House of Representatives
The congressmen presented her with a copy of the resolution, which authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint the medal. The front of the medal will bear an image of her holding a child.
Mother Teresa spoke of gratitude to all that have helped in her charitable missions and prayers for future work.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
People of the United States for the great help, love and care that we received from the very beginning. Especially my gratitude to the families who have been so generous in giving their daughters and their sons to the missionary of charity. Pray for us that we continue gods work with great love. And my prayer for you will be, let your families grow with joy love and unity, and bring that sanctity from which our lord is asking. God bless you."
SUPERCAPTION: Mother Teresa of Calcutta
The 86-year-old Roman Catholic nun, is on her first extended trip since a series of illnesses threatened her life last year
Congress broke from the day's business so members could come to the ornate Rotunda for the hourlong tribute.
Mother Teresa, who recently stepped aside as leader of the Missionaries of Charity, the global religious mission she founded to serve the downtrodden nearly a half-century ago.
She was accompanied at the ceremony and on the trip, which has included visits to her local charities in Rome and New York, by Sister Nirmala, the 63-year-old Indian nun who was chosen in March
to succeed her.
Mother Teresa opened the Missionaries of Charity in 1947 in Calcutta, India. It now has more than 4,000 nuns who run more than 500 orphanages, homes for the poor, AIDS hospices and other charity
centers worldwide.
In recognition of her efforts, she received the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize in 1971, the Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1972, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and the Presidential Medal of
Freedom in 1985.
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