[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 79 (Friday, May 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 TRIBUTE TO OUR LADY OF REDEMPTION CHURCH AND BISHOP NICHOLAS J. SAMRA

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                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 12, 1995
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, this coming weekend Our Lady of Redemption 
Church in my home State of Michigan, is celebrating its 75th 
anniversary. In addition, their interim pastor, Bishop Nicholas J. 
Samra, is celebrating his 25th anniversary as a priest.
  From the very beginning, the founders of Our Lady of Redemption 
Church were committed to seeing the emotional, educational, and 
spiritual needs of the Melkite community fulfilled. These Christian 
immigrants from Syria and Lebanon had been attracted to the growing 
opportunity of Detroit since before the turn of the century. However, 
not until 1920 did these faithful Melkites receive their own priest. In 
that year Bishop Michael Gallagher of the Roman Catholic Church 
requested Melkite Patriarch Dimitri Cadi to send a priest for the 2000-
member Melkite community within his diocese. Since that time the 
Melkite community has grown to become a vital part of the Detroit 
metropolitan area.
  Originally in Detroit, the church moved to Warren to accommodate the 
changing demographics of the community. This weekend, in addition to 
celebrating the past, the members of Our Lady of Redemption Church are 
proudly looking toward the future. The success of this vibrant 
community has enabled them to begin the construction of a new church on 
the current grounds. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place this 
weekend along with the other festivities.
  The Diamond Anniversary of the founding of the church is a proud 
milestone. Likewise, so is the Silver Anniversary of the ordination of 
Bishop Samra. As the community prepares to celebrate these historic 
anniversaries, I applaud the Melkite community for its rich 
contributions to the tapestry that makes up American life in Michigan. 
I commend the congregation for their work and faith and urge my 
colleagues to join with me in wishing congratulations to all the 
members of Our Lady of Redemption Church. May their next 75 years be a 
continued fruitful ministry.


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