MOTHER TERESA, GREAT AND ESTEEMED TEACHER OF LIFE

VATICAN CITY, SEP 5, 1999 (VIS) - Before reciting the angelus this morning at Castelgandolfo, Pope John Paul spoke of the approaching Jubilee Year and new millennium, highlighting the "shadows" and "lights" at the close of this century.

The "shadows," he said, are "the sufferings and injustices which oppress individuals and peoples, the violence and wars which unfortunately continue to bloody so may regions of the earth. There are, however, comforting rays of light which make us look to the future with hope. Our optimism is founded above all on the certainty of continued divine assistance, which never fails those who implore it, humbly and with faith."

The Holy Father also emphasized the "immense number of generous people who, during the 20th century, offered their lives to Christ, placing themselves in the service of their brothers and sisters in an attitude of humility and love. My thoughts go in a special way to Mother Teresa of Calcutta whom God called to Himself two years ago today."

"She was," he pointed out, "a great and esteemed teacher of life, especially for young people, reminding them that they 'have the great duty to built peace, beginning in their families, and to defend life always and everywhere, above all where it is particularly weak. May her witness be a stimulus and encouragement for many boys and girls, that they might give themselves generously in the service of the Gospel."

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