[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AND REDEDICATION OF ST. 
                  MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL SPRINGFIELD, MA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 1997

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to me to 
have this opportunity to congratulate both the Roman Catholic diocese 
of Springfield and the parish of St. Michael's Cathedral in 
Springfield, MA on both their sesquicentennial celebration and 
September 28, 1997, rededication. This cathedral is a magnificent place 
of worship located proudly near the center of downtown Springfield. For 
over a century, St. Michael's has served a diverse body of parishioners 
and has catered overwhelmingly to the needs of its faith community.
  I would be honored to share with you some of the history of the 
parish of St. Michael's Cathedral. St. Michael's Church originally 
occupied a simple structure on Union Street in Springfield where a 
small group of people joined together to worship. Soon enough, this 
community of believers outgrew the edifice and orchestrated the 
purchase of land at the corner of State and Eliot Streets. In 1860, on 
the feast of St. Michael, the cornerstone of a new church was laid. 
Dedicated on Christmas morning in 1861, this church was eventually 
consecrated in 1866.
  In response to an ever growing parish family, the Diocese of 
Springfield was established in 1870. St. Michael's Church was at this 
time named the cathedral church of that new diocese.
  On the occasion of its centennial, at the brink of a second century 
of service, St. Michael's Cathedral underwent interior renovation. 
Further additions to the cathedral have been witnessed recently with 
the completion of the Bishop Marshall Center. This unique addition to 
the church complex provides a forum where the cathedral and the diocese 
can collaborate to plan increased service to its parishioners, members 
of the diocese, and the city as a whole. The Bishop Marshall Center is 
equipped with handicapped access meeting rooms, and contains the Holy 
Spirit Chapel from which the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is 
televised.
  Just as it did 150 years ago, St. Michael's Catehdral continues to 
foster a true spirit of Christian fellowship within the greater 
Springfield area. The parish and its members have made invaluable 
contributions to both the diocese and the city. I am delighted to offer 
these remarks in honor of the cathedral and once again congratulate the 
parish of St. Michael's on its upcoming sesquicentennial and 
rededication.

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