[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 150 (Friday, November 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD IN TRENTON, NEW 
              JERSEY ON THEIR 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Our Lady 
of the Divine Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Trenton, New Jersey, as 
they celebrate their 60th Anniversary.
  In 1941, 60 years ago, in response to a petition by the African-
American community, The Most Reverend William A. Griffin, Bishop of 
Trenton, established Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Church to 
accommodate the spiritual needs of a local Trenton community who sought 
solace and guidance in their Roman Catholic Faith and black heritage.
  This new Parish had its beginnings in the former Masonic Temple on 
Pennington Avenue, where it remains today. On June 14, 1941, Bishop 
Griffin blessed the new Church and officiated the first Mass. Since its 
beginning, the Society of the Divine Word has staffed Our Lady of the 
Divine Shepherd Church. The Society of the Divine Word has the great 
distinction of being the first congregation to create seminary 
opportunities for black men. At present, there are about 6,000 members 
in the Society of the Divine Word working in 62 countries around the 
world.
  One of the hallmarks of this vigorous religious family is its 
international character and multi-cultural congregation. Teams of 
missionaries are made up of members from many different nations and 
cultures working together for the Kingdom of God as a concrete sign for 
our divided world that such cooperation is both possible and desirable.
  Mr. Speaker, for 60 years, Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd has 
faithfully served its parishioners, ministering and providing services 
to the community. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in 
congratulating Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd and to thank them for 
all of their contributions to the rich heritage and culture of Trenton, 
the Capital city of New Jersey.




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