Mother Teresa to be honored with US postage stamp

In honour of Mother Teresa, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced to release a stamp with the humanitarian icon's picture, in 2010.

"With this stamp, the U.S. Postal Service recognizes Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work," USPS said in a statement on Dec. 30.

Mother Teresa, widely known for ministering to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying in India, will appear on the stamp wearing her customary shawl that was painted by award-winning artist Thomas Blackshear II.

The stamp is expected to be issued on August 26, Mother Teresa's 100th birth anniversary.

Earlier in 1996, President Bill Clinton and the U.S. Congress honored Mother Teresa with a U.S. citizenship. As of February 2009, the honor has only been bestowed on five others.

Also, in 1997, the U.S. Congress awarded Mother Teresa the Congressional Gold Medal for her "outstanding and enduring contributions through humanitarian and charitable activities."

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), applauded the USPS for announcing a stamp to honor the Christian nun.

Besides recognizing Mother Teresa, it was an honor for India also as she was citizen of India, he said.