[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF THE SISTERS SERVANTS OF MARY IMMACULATE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Sisters Servants 
of Mary Immaculate on the 25th anniversary of its Ministry to the Aged 
in the Diocese of Cleveland on this 26th day of May.
  Though the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate came to Cleveland in 
1976, they were founded over 100 years ago in Poland. The Sisters were 
founded on the principles of apostolic works and have given their time 
selflessly to the sick, aged, forgotten, and lonely. Their ministry 
eventually expanded to the United States, and a headquarters was built 
in Maryland where the Sisters established and managed a home for the 
sick and elderly.
  After arrival in Cleveland, the Sisters quickly clarified their 
purpose and mission: to minister to the spiritual needs of the elderly 
of the Polish families and their corporal needs as far as possible; and 
to educate the families and the community to understand the needs of 
the elderly and to recognize their respective responsibilities to the 
elderly.
  The Sisters have done just that and so much more. The Sisters current 
work is their Special Ministry to the Aged under the auspices of 
Catholic Charities. This ministry provides and arranges for basic human 
needs such as food, shelter, health care, and social services. The 
ministry is staffed by five sisters with professional backgrounds in 
nursing, social work, and occupational therapy, 24 hours a day. The 
Sisters have also developed a ``Phone Companion Reassurance Program'' 
where volunteers are trained and connected to homebound elderly who 
have little or no family support.
  The Sisters have served Cleveland selflessly and are an incredible 
asset to the entire community. They have come to serve and be a 
presence to many poor and frail elderly. Please join me in honoring the 
Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate on this very special occasion.

                          ____________________