CONDOLENCE FOR MOTHER TERESA, AC

8 September 1997

The Governor-GeneraI, Sir William Deane. has sent the following message to the President of the Republic of India, Mr Kocheril Raman Narayanan:

We in Australia join you and the people of India in your sorrow at the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Mother Teresa was an inspiration to all who believe in the fundamental dignity of all men and women and who seek to combat hunger, sickness and other forms of disadvantage wherever they may occur. Her life and example will continue as a beacon of light and hope both to those who are suffering and to those who seek to help them.

In Australia, we regarded Mother Teresa almost as one of our own since she was a Companion of the Order of Australia which is the highest general award which can be conferred by this country. Australia has also had a close association with the religious orders which Mother Teresa founded. Australians have led the Missionary Brothers of Charity while the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity have done wonderful work here for the most disadvantaged in our society, particularly the Aborigines. I am confident that that work will continue here as a living memorial of a truly great woman