Dear Parishioners:
We have lost a beauty in our world. Mother Teresa was a profound example of allowing God's power at work within the person for the greater good. She possessed a great power in earthly terms, but never abused that power for her own advantage. She was one of those rare people who are able to command respect and dedication by their own lives.
Even though she was only about five feet tall, no one looked down at her. One always looked "up" at Mother Teresa. Pope John Paul wrote, "Mother Teresa marked the history of our century with courage. She served all human beings by promoting their dignity and respect, and made those who had been defeated by life feel the tenderness of God."
Some of her own words include:
"At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.' Hungry not only for bread-but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing-but naked of human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks-but homeless because of rejection. This is Christ in distressing disguise."
In 1952 the first Home for the Dying was opened in space made available by the City of Calcutta. Today her order serves thousands of the "poorest of the poor" in 450 centers around the world. She was one of the pioneers of establishing homes for AIDS victims. For more than 45 years, Mother Teresa comforted the poor, the dying, and the unwanted around the world.
In 1966, the Missionaries of Charity Brothers was founded. Beginning in 1980, homes began to spring-up for drug addicts, prostitutes, battered women, and more orphanages and schools for poor children around the world. In 1985, Mother Teresa established the first hospice for AIDS victims in New York. Later homes were added in San Francisco and Atlanta. Mother Teresa was awarded Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian award.
On February 3, 1994 at a National Prayer Breakfast, sponsored by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, in Washington, DC, Mother Teresa challenged the audience on such topics as family life and abortion. She said, "Please don't kill the child. I want the child. Give the child to me."
Mother Teresa was not afraid to speak her faith, her love, her convictions. In her there was no guile. She was a woman who was confident that God was her protector and guide. She was absolutely convinced that one could not survive without the Eucharist. She would say that the work of the order was too difficult without the Eucharist.
If you are connected to the Internet, you can find an abundance of material about Mother Teresa. You could start at catholicforum.com, or ewtn.com, or catholic.net. All of these are preceeded by www. You will find a wealth of material on many subjects at these sites.
Fr. Bill
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