[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 71 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF ST. JOHN CANTIUS CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Centennial 
Anniversary of Saint John Cantius Church.
  One hundred years ago, the ``Heights'' area of Cleveland was a quiet 
community near the Cuyahoga River. Many of Cleveland's steelworkers and 
other laborers were Polish immigrants who, although financially poor, 
were rich in faith. Their religious fervor transcended their small 
numbers and His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Ignatius Horstmann 
appointed Reverend Orlowski to serve the parish of St. John Cantius. 
Masses were originally held in a two-story barn, but the hard-working 
parishioners looked forward. The poor immigrants understood the 
importance of a good education. So, they created a pastoral residence, 
a school, and a Sisters' home in separate apartments behind the barn.
  From those humble beginnings, the community built a magnificent 
Romanesque church, a grade school and high school, and a convent. Yet 
the parish never forgot their heritage. Still comprised of, in some 
instances, fourth generation Polish-Americans, St. John Cantius is as 
active and vital as ever.
  Parishioners serve their church and those around them. They belong to 
service organizations including the Parish Councilmen, 111 Order of St. 
Francis, Knights of Columbus, St. Stanislaw Kostki Lodge, and the 
Booster Club. And like their forefathers, today's parishioners also 
look toward the future. To reflect the changing neighborhood, the 
Church has brought in two sisters with experience in Latin America and 
hold Mass in Spanish on Saturday. They recognize the effects of world 
communication and urbanization on their children; so, they attempt to 
combine the sophistication of today, with the goodness and humility of 
their past.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in applauding this committed 
congregation and the centennial anniversary of Saint John Cantius 
Church.

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