[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 26, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S2937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          75TH ANNIVERSARY OF BRIDGEPORT'S ST. RAPHAEL CHURCH

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of the 
75th anniversary of St. Raphael Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I 
commend the church and its devoted members for their long tradition of 
faithfulness and service. This anniversary is, rightfully, cause for 
celebration among St. Raphael's parishioners, and it is a pleasure to 
recognize their enduring commitment to the Bridgeport community.
  The 1920s and 1930s saw a great influx of Italian immigrants into 
this country generally and into the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut 
specifically. These immigrants brought hope and courage to America, and 
they also brought with them a strong religious faith. A new Roman 
Catholic parish, St Raphael's, was soon established in Bridgeport to 
minister to their needs.
  While the church that everyone in Bridgeport recognizes as St. 
Raphael's was being built, masses were held in the old Caruso Theater. 
An altar was carried in on Sundays to make the theater more like a 
sanctuary. Services were modest, but they drew the parish together. On 
Christmas Day, 1925 the faithful celebrated the first mass in their new 
church. From that day forward the church has prospered and grown. A 
convent was added to the parish in 1937 and the sisters who lived there 
led religious instruction for six hundred public school children every 
week.
  During World War II, hundreds of young men from this church bravely 
went overseas to fight for their country, and fifty of them never 
returned.
  Despite these losses, the 1940s were a time of expansion for the 
church. New land was acquired and new buildings were raised. The 
church's current appearance is a result of the work done primarily 
during this period.
  St. Raphael's is one of the most beautiful churches in Bridgeport, 
and I believe, in the entire state of Connecticut. What was once a 
yellow Spanish-style mission has undergone many renovations. Now a 
Gregorian Romanesque building overlooking a school, convent, and 
rectory, much of the property surrounding it belongs to the Church. The 
altar inside was imported to this country from Italy. Some of the 
woodwork around the altar was carved by Italian artists, while most of 
the renovations to this building have been the product of devoted 
parishioners throughout the past seven decades. From the marble steps 
to the artwork contained within the Church, this place of worship is a 
proud combination of traditional Italian style and modern American 
workmanship and dedication.
  As St. Raphael's celebrates its 75th Anniversary, it is fitting to 
remember the rich history and the important role that this parish has 
had in the community and for the many generations of Italian-Americans 
that have lived in Bridgeport. It has persisted through the years as a 
source of spiritual guidance and communal strength, and I applaud their 
legacy and wish the parish well at the dawn of this new 
century.

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