WASHINGTON (March 1, 1999) -- The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in a statement from their President, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, applauded the start of the canonization process for Mother Teresa. Bishop Fiorenza's statement follows.

Saints remind us to live focused on Jesus and few in the modern age have done this as well as Mother Teresa.

Mother Teresa showed by example that every life is precious and her message is worthy of remembrance forever.

The Bishops of the United States rejoice that the process of her canonization can begin even while people have vivid memories of all that she meant to every strata of society in virtually every nation of the world.

Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza
President
National Conference of Catholic Bishops
March 1, 1999

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