[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   A TRIBUTE TO CARMELA C. RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 3, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carmela C. Rodriguez of 
Brooklyn, New York. Ms. Rodriguez is a deeply religious person who has 
dedicated herself to serving her church, her community and her native 
culture.
  Ms. Rodriguez was born and raised in Panama City, Panama. She 
migrated to the United States in 1963. Nevertheless, she remains proud 
of her Panamanian roots. She has expressed this pride through service. 
She is the President of the Day of Independence Committee of 
Panamanians in New York and she organized the first Panamanian 
Independence Day Parade.
  Ms. Rodriguez is also committed to her religion and her community. 
She is a Eucharistic Minister of Service at Our Lady of Charity Church; 
she is the First African American woman to be inducted as a Franciscan 
Friar in the Immaculate Conception Province, and she is the Grand Lady 
of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. In addition, she 
serves her community by conducting AIDS education workshops and 
donating food as well as clothing for needy children.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Carmela C. Rodriguez is a woman of deep conviction 
whose religious and community involvement illustrate that she does not 
believe it is enough simply to live in a community, but rather one must 
serve that community as well. As such, she is more than worthy of 
receiving our recognition today, and I hope that all of my colleagues 
will join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

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