[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 97 (Monday, July 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1353-E1354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING THE JESUITS OF THE MISSOURI PROVINCE

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                          HON. JAMES M. TALENT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 1998

  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jesuits of 
the Missouri Province as they celebrate the 175th anniversary of the 
arrival of Jesuits to the St. Louis area. It is a true privilege for me 
to recognize the many important accomplishments and achievements which 
have marked the Jesuit presence in the St. Louis area and throughout 
the entire Midwest.
  In May of 1823, a small group of Belgian Jesuits completed their 
journey from Maryland to St. Louis, to take possession of a farm given 
to them by the Bishop of the Territory, William Louis Valentine 
DuBourg. They had originally come here to assist Bishop DuBourg in the 
establishment of an Indian School, an effort which was endorsed by 
President Monroe and Indian Commissioner General William. Although the 
Indian School proved to be an unsuccessful venture, the school was 
converted into the St. Stanislaus Seminary and would train young 
Jesuits until 1968.
  In 1840, the Jesuit brothers and priests began work on a permanent 
structure made of limestone. This structure, known as the ``Rock 
Building,'' still stands today and is the current home of the Jesuit 
Museum. The Jesuit Museum houses memorabilia of numerous Jesuits who 
have lived there since 1823. One of the more famous residents of the 
site was Father Peter John DeSmet, who served as a missionary with many 
Indian tribes in the

[[Page E1354]]

plains and northwest. Among his many accomplishments, was a detailed 
map he provided the U.S. Department of the Interior indicating the 
location of various Indian tribes. Other famous Jesuits include Fr. 
Peter Verhaegen who became president of St. Louis University, and Fr. 
John Elet, who also served as president of St. Louis University and was 
the founder of Xavier University in Cincinnati.
  Countless other Jesuits of the Missouri Province have made a lasting 
impact in this region by serving as missionaries and founding a number 
of parishes in the lower Missouri River Valley. Little did that small 
group of Jesuits realize that their arrival in 1823, would lead to the 
expansion of the Jesuit presence throughout the Midwest.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in congratulating the Jesuits of 
the Missouri Province on their 175th anniversary in St. Louis. I also 
ask that you join me in thanking them for their countless contributions 
to this region. Their efforts are truly an inspiration and source of 
pride for all residents of Missouri.

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