[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE BASILICA OF THE ASSUMPTION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2006

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues from 
Maryland: Roscoe Bartlett, Elijah Cummings, Wayne Gilchrest, Steny 
Hoyer, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Chris Van Hollen and Albert Wynn to 
pay special tribute to America's first Catholic Cathedral, the Basilica 
of the Assumption in Baltimore, which has undergone a two-year 
restoration in preparation for its bicentennial celebration on November 
4, 2006.
  The Basilica was the first great metropolitan Cathedral in America 
and the first major religious building to be constructed following the 
adoption of the U.S. Constitution. The construction of the Basilica 
reflected a fundamental shift in how government viewed religious 
freedom--a shift from worship in an established church to worship that 
was based on the individual's choice and conscience. It stands as a 
reminder of America's openness to people of all faiths.
  Designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, architect of the U.S. Capitol, 
the Basilica is considered an architectural masterpiece and one of the 
finest 19th Century buildings in the world. The Basilica in Baltimore, 
home to the country's first Catholic Archdiocese, is designated as a 
National Historic Landmark and National Shrine.
  We commend the Archdiocese for undertaking a major restoration of 
this extraordinary religious and civic landmark. After decades of slow 
deterioration, the Basilica is finally being restored to its original 
grandeur. In the future, Americans of all faiths will be able to visit 
this historic treasure and reflect on its history and its place in our 
Nation's struggle for religious freedom.
  We hope our colleagues in the House will join the Maryland Delegation 
in honoring the Basilica during its bicentennial year of celebration 
and in expressing our sense of pride that the Basilica is part of our 
Nation's history.

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