[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE SISTERS OF 
                         ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

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                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 1999

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the founding of 
The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, a congregation that is 
celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
  In 1849, thirteen secular Franciscans emigrated from Bavaria to 
establish a religious order to meet the education needs of German 
immigrants in Milwaukee. As such, The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi 
are the first Third Order regular Franciscan congregation founded in 
the United States.
  Over the years the work of the congregation has extended to virtually 
every walk of life and touched countless thousands through ministries 
of healing, teaching, reconciliation and liberation.
  The congregation is involved in diverse ministries, which include: 
Making affordable housing units available through Canticle Court and 
Juniper Court, promoting undergraduate and graduate education at the 
renown Cardinal Stritch University, making affordable rental units 
available to non-profit groups through the Marian Center, and offering 
community-based care for all ages through the innovative work at the 
St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. In addition, ministries are 
maintained by the congregation throughout the U.S. and Taiwan through 
St. Colett's organizations in Wisconsin, Illinois and Massachusetts. 
And, a collaborative relationship is maintained with a Franciscan 
congregation in Cameroon, West Africa.
  In all, nearly 350 Sisters and 75 Associates promote the mission of 
the congregation in areas of education, pastoral ministry in parishes, 
hospitals and nursing homes, music ministry, elder housing and day care 
service to those with developmental challenges, and volunteer work of 
all kinds.
  In the last week of July, The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi will 
bring its mission to television in a series of public education 
messages called, ``We are Franciscans with a Future.'' On Sunday, May 
30 the 150th celebration will culminate with the May Crowning and on 
Open House.
  Then, in August, another celebration will take place with two other 
congregations who share the same roots of foundation: The Franciscan 
Sisters of Perpetual Adoration from La Crosse, Wisconsin, and The 
Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist from Meriden, Connecticut. In 
addition, some 35 friends and parishioners from parish church in 
Ettenbeuren, Bavaria will join the celebration. They will also visit 
the motherhouses of all three religious congregations.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I 
commemorate The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi on its jubilee 
anniversary and the wonderful contributions the congregation has made 
to the spiritual, academic, and temporal quality of life in communities 
close to home and around the world.

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