[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 107 (Wednesday, September 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SISTER CATHERINE MORAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained in New York and 
missed the opening ceremonies of today's session. Accordingly, I deeply 
regret not being here in person to greet Sister Catherine Moran, who 
delivered the opening prayer earlier this afternoon.
  In recent years, while there have been other clergy women who have 
had the honor of leading this body in its opening prayer, I understand, 
however, that Sister Catherine Moran is the first person who has never 
been ordained to be afforded this honor. Truly, this was an historic 
occasion.
  However, Sister Catherine's entire life has been one of breaking 
precedent. Born in Brooklyn, she entered the convent on September 8, 
1945, receiving a Masters Degree in Education from St. John's 
University, and advanced certificates in Administration from both 
Hofstra University and the State University of New York in Plattsburgh.
  From 1975 until 1983, Sister Catherine Moran was the Principal at 
Albertus Magnus High School in Bardonia, New York. Albertus Magnus has 
long been one of the most prestigious and respected high schools in my 
Congressional District, and its luster is due in good part to the 
outstanding leadership which Sister afforded during her eight year 
tenure as its Principal.
  Although she is still affiliated with the Dominican Convent in 
Sparkill, New York, for the past 14 years Sister has traveled over the 
border into New Jersey, where she serves the New Community Corporation 
in Newark as Human Resources director. Her outstanding service in this 
capacity earned the attention of our colleague from New Jersey (Mr. 
Payne), who sponsored Sister's participation in our opening ceremonies 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like all of our colleagues to be aware that on 
October 20th of this year, Sister Catherine Moran will be the recipient 
of the 2000 Founders Award from St. Thomas Aquinas College in my 
Congressional District, in Sparkill, NY. This highly prestigious award 
is presented annually to the individual who has exemplified the motto 
of St. Thomas Aquinas College: ``Enlighten the Mind through Truth.''
  I plan to be on hand at the Aquinas Medal banquet this year as this 
truly remarkable woman is recognized for her compassion and for her 
service to humanity.
  Mr. Speaker, it is notable that our opening prayer today was 
delivered by a truly unique individual who made history by being here 
with us.

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