[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 131 (Tuesday, September 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        90TH ANNIVERSARY--ST. JOSEPH'S CARMELITE HOME FOR GIRLS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest honor and pride 
that I congratulate the St. Joseph's Carmelite Home for Girls in East 
Chicago, Indiana as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. On September 
27, 2003, the women of St. Joseph's and other community members will 
gather together for a reunion of gratitude and friendship during their 
90th Jubilee Celebration.
  In 1913, the vision of St. Joseph's Carmelite Home for Girls became a 
reality when Mother Mary Theresa of St. Joseph was granted permission 
from Bishop Herman Alerding to actively work with the poor children of 
Lake County. It was the generous donation of two small frame houses by 
Mr. Walter Riley, chairman of the First National Bank in East Chicago 
that brought the home to life. The two small houses became homes to 
some seventy children and at the time both boys and girls lived in the 
homes.
  St. Joseph's Carmelite Home for Girls began as an orphanage, grew to 
a group home, and today provides residential treatment to many 
Northwest Indiana girls. It was in 2001 that the doors of the Holy 
Innocents Center and Emergency Shelter opened to newborns, infants, 
toddlers, as well as young children in need.
  Sister Maria Giuseppe, the home's administrator, along with six nuns, 
four postulants, and 45 lay people, give support, guidance, and comfort 
to over 50 young girls who are now in residence at the home. Their 
selfless dedication to the girls in the home, as well as all the 
citizens of East Chicago, is an outstanding model for all Americans.
  With my father Mr. John Visclosky as a former member of the Carmelite 
Home's board of directors, I know firsthand the importance of St. 
Joseph's Carmelite Home for Girls to the Northwest Indiana community. 
The generosity and love that the St. Joseph Carmelite Home provides for 
its residents is remarkably selfless and giving and deserves the 
highest recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating St. Joseph's Carmelite Home for 
Girls as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. Their sincere 
commitment to the children of East Chicago and all of Northwest Indiana 
is worthy of the highest gratitude and admiration. I am truly honored 
to represent such exceptional and giving citizens in Congress.




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