[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 116 (Monday, September 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO SISTER MIRIAM THOMAS, S.C.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2001

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to 
Sister Miriam Thomas, S.C., a phenomenal individual who has devoted her 
life to enhancing the lives of others. After her 50 years of ceaseless 
work to educate and counsel others, and improve the communities she 
lives in, I take great pride in honoring Sister Thomas's 50th 
anniversary of service to God and humanity with this congressional 
tribute.
  Sister Thomas was born and received her early education in South 
Brooklyn. Upon graduation from high school, Sister Thomas answered the 
calling to devote her life to God. At age 18 she entered Sisters of 
Charity where she received an invaluable theological education as well 
as a degree from Mount Saint Vincent College in the Bronx. Once she 
professed her vows, Sister Thomas brought her newly-honed ministry 
skills to Ascension Grammar School in Manhattan, where she remained for 
8 years. She then relocated to Ponce, Puerto Rico where her education 
was enriched at Catholic University. At this point, with more years of 
training and instruction, she was ready to take on the South Bronx. 
There, she was assigned to St. Athanasius Parish where she has shared 
her gift of easing souls and invoking smiles for the past 39 years.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1972, Sister Thomas, along with her neighbors, heard 
that a woman who served as the administrator of Simpson Street 
Development Association was murdered while on the job. Courage and an 
unfaltering sense of devotion allowed Sister Thomas to stand up and 
fill this important position. There, with a tireless and supportive 
staff, Sister Thomas works miracles daily by providing social services 
and emotional guidance to people in need. Beyond these commitments, 
Sister Thomas also sits on the South Bronx Community Board 2 as 
chairperson. Her involvements in other community-based organizations 
are too numerous to mention. She says that her ceaseless community 
involvement was inspired by Father Louis Gigante, a visionary and dear 
friend.
  Sister Thomas's ability to take the Gospel and translate it into 
language that speaks to the hearts and souls of nearly every St. 
Athanasius parishioner, has made her a priceless component of many 
people's spiritual and earthly lives. I am not the first to recognize 
her contributions, of course. Of the many rewards Sister Thomas has 
received throughout her years of service to the Church and humanity in 
general, she most treasures being named a Sister of Charity and her 
acceptance as a resident in the Hunts Point Community of the South 
Bronx.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of representing the 16th district 
of New York where Sister Thomas practices her faith each and every day 
and I am truly delighted to acknowledge her today. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in honoring this remarkable woman.

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