[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 129 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO ST. JEROME CHURCH IN THE BRONX

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2005

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to Saint Jerome Church in the Bronx. On October 2, 2005 
they will hold rededication ceremonies in honor of the newly renovated 
Church.
  St. Jerome Church was founded on September 24, 1869, and primarily 
served the large group of Irish immigrants arriving in America during 
the latter half of the 19th century. In 1898, the cornerstone was laid 
for the building that St. Jerome Church would call home for the next 
hundred years. So magnificent was the edifice that to this day it is 
called ``The Cathedral of the Bronx.'' The stained glass windows and 
beautifully painted ceilings make Saint Jerome Church truly one of the 
most visually stunning churches in the city.
  Throughout its history, St. Jerome Church has stood fast in good 
times and bad as a symbol of faith. Through two World Wars, the Korean 
War and Vietnam, the church has watched as many of its sons and 
daughters bravely served their country. Those who made the ultimate 
sacrifice have their names inscribed on the walls of the church as a 
reminder of the high cost of war.
  In the fifties, as Puerto Ricans and others from the Caribbean made 
the Bronx their home, St. Jerome Church was there to welcome them with 
open arms. The priests made it a priority to learn Spanish as new 
spirit was breathed into the surrounding neighborhood. Even today, St. 
Jerome Church continues its legacy of welcoming newcomers to the Bronx 
as Mexican immigrants have revitalized the area.
  Mr. Speaker, scripture tells us in Deuteronomy 15:7: ``If there is a 
poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the 
land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your 
heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely 
open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need 
in whatever he lacks.'' St. Jerome Church has always striven to realize 
these instructions. Under the spiritual leadership of my friend, Father 
John Grange, over the last 26 years St. Jerome Church has grown into a 
powerful healing force in the Bronx, taking in Bronxites of all 
nationalities and providing them with food for the soul.
  As the representative from the South Bronx, the poorest Congressional 
District in the nation, I am grateful to have a church in my community 
that works so hard, day in and day out, to provide for those who are in 
need. In an effort to provide better lives for themselves and their 
families, many immigrants make the Bronx their first home in the 
States. During those trying first few years, it is institutions like 
St. Jerome Church which help them manage their struggle by providing 
constant spiritual guidance. St. Jerome Church has in the past and 
continues to freely open their hand to the people of the Bronx. For 136 
years of outstanding service to the people of the Bronx, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in paying tribute to St. Jerome Church as it is 
re-dedicated on October 2, 2005.

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