[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF SISTER ADELAIDE CANELAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 1998

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
condolences to the family of Sr. Adelaide Canelas, whose recent passing 
has meant a loss to her family, her friends, and the entire State of 
Rhode Island. It is with the deepest respect for her life's work, and 
in her memory, that I offer this resolution for the Record.

   Senate Resolution Extending Condolences on the Passing of Sister 
                            Adelaide Canelas

       Whereas, Sister Adelaide Canelas, S.S.D. of Our Lady of 
     Fatima Convent in Warren, R.I., died unexpectedly on 
     Saturday, July 11, 1998; and
       Whereas, Born in Lisbon, Portugal, a daughter of the late 
     Eusebio and Albertina (Vazco) Canelas, Sister Adelaide 
     entered the congregation of the Sisters of St. Dorothy in 
     Lisbon in 1937 and was missioned to the United States in 
     1948; and
       Whereas, After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Education, 
     she taught in New Bedford, East Providence, Newport, and 
     Bristol, at St. Francis Xavier School, St. Elizabeth School, 
     and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. In 1973, she dedicated 
     herself to helping immigrants, especially the poor and under 
     privileged; and
       Whereas, Among the many programs Sister Adelaide worked 
     with were Citizens Concerned for Human Progress, Coalition 
     for Consumer Justice, R.I. Azorean Relief Fund and the George 
     Wiley Center. She was also a member of the St. Vincent De 
     Paul Society of St. Francis Xavier Church and was employed by 
     them as Social Action Coordinator and Senior Aide of Self 
     Help Inc.; and
       Whereas, A very unique and determined individual, Sister 
     Adelaide didn't exactly fit into the Pre-Vatican mold 
     religious women were supposed to fit. She had strong 
     convictions and was very stubborn, way ahead of her times; 
     and
       Whereas, Her determination was never more evident than when 
     she met family after family, desperately poor and in need. 
     She began by researching groups involved with helping poor 
     people and went from there. Between transporting, fighting, 
     picketing, finding jobs, and spending time in jail, Sister 
     Adelaide put common sense and logic before the bureaucracy 
     which was stifling her efforts to put food on their tables 
     and clothing on their backs; and
       Whereas, This ``Robin Hood of Rhode Island'' brought color 
     to our lives, along with laughter, love, and kindness and we 
     know that she has found a place in God's heart. Godspeed, 
     Sister, and may you hear God say to you, ``Come my beloved 
     into the heavenly court for you have found the gift I value 
     most--compassion and love for all in need, enter into my 
     Heavenly Kingdom'' now, therefore be it
       Resolved, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and 
     Providence Plantations hereby extends its sincerest 
     condolences on the passing of Sister Adelaide Canelas and 
     also extends condolences to her sister, Gloria; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby 
     authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of 
     this resolution to Gloria Canelas.

     

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