[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E43]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   A TRIBUTE TO CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2000

  Mrs. NITA LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th 
anniversary of Corpus Christi Parish in Port Chester, NY.
  Since its founding, Corpus Christi Church has been a cornerstone of 
its community, offering spiritual and material support to its 
parishioners, while reflecting the values and growth of Port Chester 
itself.
  Port Chester's large Italian-American population dates to the late 
nineteenth century, when immigrants flocked to the New York area in 
search of a better life for themselves and their families. Many settled 
in Port Chester's Washington Park area, a welcoming neighborhood, but 
one which lacked a Catholic Church.
  In 1912, a Salesian priest from Holy Rosary Church was appointed to 
offer Holy Mass on Sundays to the people of Washington Park. Two years 
later a basement chapel was inaugurated on South Regent Street. But it 
was not until January 3, 1925, that Corpus Cristi was established as a 
parish in its own right by Patrick Cardinal Hayes.
  Nothing better exemplifies the community spirit of Corpus Christi 
Church than the inspiring fashion in which the new building was 
constructed. A team effort from start to finish, the project brought 
together laborers from every trade and families of every kind. Working 
day and night, contributing portions of their modest income, and 
volunteering in countless ways, the parishioners of Corpus Christi 
Church were able to lay the cornerstone of their new building on 
September 27, 1925, and to welcome Cardinal Hayes to the completed 
structure in October 1927.
  In the time since, Corpus Christi Church has had the good fortune to 
be guided by a number of exceptionally gifted spiritual leaders. Father 
Peter Mayerhofer, Father Alfonso Volonte, and Father Peter Rinaldi, 
among others, contributed mightily to Corpus Christi's growth. That 
tradition of dedication and vision is well-served by today's Pastor, 
Father Jim Marra.
  Corpus Christi Church is now a center of community life. It boasts a 
school of 500 youngsters, a youth center, and well-known Holy Shroud 
Shrine.
  As Corpus Christi Church observes its 75th anniversary with the motto 
``Remembering our past, celebrating our present, believing in our 
future,'' I know that I speak for all residents of Port Chester when I 
express my great pride in and thanks for this remarkable center of 
spiritual and civic progress.

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