[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 132 (Thursday, October 4, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th 
Anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third 
Order of St. Francis.
  The Sisters have a long history of dedication to people of Northeast 
Ohio. Over the years, the sisters served in seventeen schools in Ohio, 
providing for a strong education and solid virtue and morale to 
thousands of students.
  The congregation was originally founded in Wisconsin in 1901 to 
educate Polish immigrants who were settling in the Midwest. Forty-six 
Sisters comprised the original congregation that had grown to over 183 
members in 1908, serving twenty-three parish schools in Illinois, 
Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio.
  The ministry of the Sisters expanded greatly from its original focus 
on educating grade school children to include high school teaching, 
hospital care, special education, food pantries, missionary work, 
geriatric care, spiritual guidance and counseling, university 
professorships, pastoral care, and more. Their guidance and inspiration 
has touched thousands of people throughout the entire Midwest, and 
their caring missions stand strong today. While their mission and 
programs continue to expand, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third 
Order of St. Francis have not altered their founding spirit--seeking to 
serve the minores, the little people who often fall through the cracks 
of society.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating and honoring the 100th 
Anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. 
Francis. The Sisters have remained a strong force in our community, and 
will continue to touch the hearts and souls of many in the years to 
come.

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