[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 69 (Monday, June 5, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5425-S5426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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       ANNIVERSARY PROCLAMATION FOR SISTERS OF MERCY IN ST. LOUIS

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, June 27, 2006 marks the 150th 
anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in St. Louis, MO. 
Founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831 by Mother Catherine McAuley, the 
Sisters have dedicated themselves to serving the sick, poor, and 
uneducated, particularly women and children.
  In 1856, at the request of St. Louis Archbishop Peter J. Kenrick, six 
Sisters of Mercy journeyed by train and boat from New York to St. 
Louis, arriving on June 27, 1856, to open St. Francis Xavier Parish 
School. During their first year in St. Louis, in addition to opening 
this new school, the Sisters visited the sick, poor, and jailed; 
started a Sunday school program for African-American women and girls; 
began an industrial school for children with one parent; and opened an 
orphanage. Despite many challenges including lack of money, food and 
clothing, the Sisters persevered with determination and faith. They 
expanded their ministry during the Civil War, visiting war prisoners at 
the hospital and jail.
  Growing enrollment at St. Francis Xavier School necessitated the 
opening of a new school in 1871. The Sisters of Mercy have continued 
the focus on education in St. Louis. Over the past 150 years since 
their arrival in St. Louis, more than 177 Sisters of Mercy have served 
in more than 20 parish elementary schools and 5 high schools in 
Missouri. These schools include Christ the King School in University 
City, Mercy High School in University City, St. Joan of Arc School in 
South St. Louis, Annunciation School in Webster Groves, and Mercy 
Junior College in Webster Groves.
  Recognizing the ever-growing health care needs of the community, in 
1871 the Sisters converted the old St. Francis Xavier School to an 
infirmary. The hospital struggled financially because many patients 
were unable to pay, but the Sisters never turned patients away due to 
lack of funds. Instead, Sisters even sacrificed their mattresses and 
bedding to accommodate patients. To meet the increased need for their 
health care services, the Sisters moved the hospital to two other St. 
Louis sites before relocating to its current location on South New 
Ballas Road in 1963.
  While better known for their work in education and health care, the 
Sisters have served the people of the St. Louis metropolitan area in 
numerous other ministries including working with immigrants, providing 
spiritual direction, hosting groups at their conference and retreat 
center, and serving the poor.

[[Page S5426]]

  Since their 1856 arrival, the Sisters of Mercy have continuously 
served the residents of St. Louis and its surrounding areas. They 
overcame many obstacles to carry on their services and today we 
recognize their dedication with our deepest gratitude and respect. It 
truly has been a Journey of Service.
  Cities/municipalities in St. Louis where Sisters of Mercy have 
served/lived and currently serve/live: Creve Coeur, Frontenac 
University City, Chesterfield, City of St. Louis, Webster Groves, and 
Washington, MO.

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