[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1581-E1582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Catholic 
Diocese of Cleveland during the yearlong celebration of serving 
northeast Ohio for 150 years.
  The diocese was established in 1847 and originally served 10,000 
Catholics. Today, nearly one million people in northeast Ohio

[[Page E1582]]

are associated with the diocese which provides innumerable benefits 
ranging from spiritual guidance and charity to education and health 
services for everyone in the community.
  The diocese is comprised of a myriad of ethnic communities. Catholic 
German and Irish immigrants settled in northeast Ohio in the early 
1800's. Later, immigrants from eastern and southern Europe made their 
home there. In the early 1900's, many immigrants from Mexico and, 
following World War II, immigrants from Puerto Rico moved to the area 
to work in the steel mills. The diverse ethnic groups of the diocese 
are united as a family in their common religious beliefs and goodwill 
toward each other and the rest of the community in spite of social, 
economic, or racial differences. This diversity cherished and 
celebrated as an asset to the diocese.
  Upholding a longstanding tradition of goodwill, the people of the 
diocese work together to serve over 600,000 people annually in Catholic 
hospitals, charities, and agencies. Over $80 million worth of health 
and human services is provided each year through these organizations. 
Furthermore, 70,000 students from all socio-economic levels are 
educated in Catholic-affiliated schools including the 146 elementary 
schools, 23 high schools, 2 seminaries, and several colleges and 
universities in the northeast Ohio area.
  Events catering to different constituencies of the diocese are 
planned throughout the year to celebrate this landmark anniversary. A 
``Celebration on the Mall'' in Cleveland, scheduled for August 17, 
1997, will feature the multicultural aspects of the community. Dancing, 
arts, games, food, and a major liturgical event will fill the day 
culminating in a fireworks display in the evening.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in praising the Catholic diocese 
of Cleveland, a diverse, charitable, and faithful family dedicated to 
the improvement of and inextricably united to the northeast Ohio 
community.

                          ____________________