[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. THERESA OF THE LITTLE FLOWER CATHOLIC CHURCH ON 
                  ITS APPROACHING FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Reno, 
Nevada's Little Flower Catholic Church, which will soon be marking its 
fiftieth anniversary. This amazing church has truly been a blessing for 
the people of northern Nevada, as it has become a pillar of strength, 
inspiration, and hope for the thousands who have passed through its 
doors.
  Little Flower has truly blossomed since its first mass was celebrated 
on October 17, 1948. Senator Patrick McCarran, Representive Walter 
Baring and area religious leaders of all denominations were just a few 
of those who filled the church's 200 seats on that special day. But the 
time Father Robert Bowling became pastor in 1974, facilities has 
expanded and the parish had grown to several hundred people. And, 
during the following year, the parish actually doubled in size. Today, 
under Father Bowling's continued stewardship, the church ministers to 
almost four thousand families, reflecting an extraordinary increase--
particularly over the last twenty-five years. Moreover, each month, a 
Little Flower worship service is taped and later aired on local 
television for the benefit of those who would like to attend mass but 
are too infirm to do so.
  In celebrating this anniversary, I am reminded of the well-known 
biblical passage that refers to our duty as our brother's keeper. This 
message is clearly not lost on the Little Flower congregation. While 
the church is by no means what one would consider wealthy, its 
parishioners' generosity is boundless. In addition to monthly donations 
to St. Vincent's shelter, the Little Flower distributes food vouchers 
to the hungry on a daily basis. A local supermarket honors the 
certificates and then bills the church at the end of each month. 
Likewise, gas vouchers are provided to stranded motorists. Bus fare is 
available for runaways looking to return home and for others caught in 
similarly difficult straits. Even money for medicine is given to the 
uninsured poor. Little Flower's policy holds that nobody in need is 
turned away, and no questions are ever asked.
  Yet, Little Flower Catholic Church is not just about worship and 
charity; it's also a garden of personal and community development. The 
church operates a school that enrolls three hundred youngsters, 
providing top-notch religious and academic instruction. In addition, 
the church sponsors countless organizations such as a Mom's Group, 
Altar Society, Knights of Columbus, as well as Filipino, Hispanic, and 
youth-centered choirs. Of course, standard Marriage, Baptism and Sunday 
school classes are also included in the Little Flower's crowded slate 
of activities. Sometime I think that if a book could be written about 
the church's history, it may well be called the Little Flower That 
Could.
  Father Omar, one of the parish priests, is a more recent example of 
Little Flower's devotion to its parishioners. Born in Colombia, with a 
heart big enough to fill the world, Father Omar today sets the standard 
for spirituality and community activism. He is truly a man for others.
  Hanging over the entrance of the church chapel is a sign declaring 
that ``love is spoken here.'' Indeed, it's a language the folks at 
Little Flower Catholic Church have clearly mastered. The church has 
embraced newcomers, comforted and cheered the downtrodden, and is one 
of those special places that brings out the best in all of us. While 
its history is grand, Little Flower Catholic Church's future promises 
to be equally as rosy. Congratulations on the approaching fiftieth 
anniversary to Reno Bishop Phillip Straling, Father Bowling, the 
church's chapter members, and all of the parishioners that have made it 
such a sanctuary of unconditional love.

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