[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E890]
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

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2004

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to once again pay 
tribute to Sister Miriam Thomas S.C., a phenomenal individual who has 
devoted her life to enhancing the lives of others. On Saturday, May 15, 
2004, the College of Mount Saint Vincent will award Sister Thomas with 
the Seton Medal. Named for Saint Elizabeth Seton, this rarely given 
medal celebrates the virtues of hard work and service and is the 
highest award the college confers.
  Sister Thomas was born and received her early education in South 
Brooklyn. Upon graduation from high school, she 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. After years of study she was finally 
ready for 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 42 years.
  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 
too mention. She says that her ceaseless community involvement was 
inspired by Father Louis Gigante, a visionary and dear friend.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout her many years of service Sister Thomas has 
helped countless people change their outlook on life using her 
remarkable gift of translating the gospel into terms that lay 
individuals can understand. She is truly an extraordinary woman who is 
very much deserving of this prestigious award.
  For her many years of service, I ask that my colleagues join me in 
honoring this incredible woman as the College of Mount Saint Vincent 
honors her with the Seton Medal.

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