[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 73 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RESOLUTION HONORING THE URSULINE SISTERS OF LAREDO, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 9, 2006

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker,
  Whereas, the Ursulines, an order founded in Italy by Saint Angela 
Merici in 1535, were the first religious women to corne to the New 
World. The sisters, who had been in New Orleans since 1727, were the 
first order to volunteer for service in the new State of Texas, 
establishing a long-held presence in the communities of Galveston, San 
Antonio, Dallas, Pecos, and Laredo.
  Whereas, Mother Saint Joseph Aubert, one of the esteemed Ursuline 
sisters, at the request of Bishop Claude Dubuis, went to Laredo in the 
State of Texas with Sister Teresa Pereida to establish a convent and a 
school for the education of the young women in the City of Laredo in 
May 15th, 1868.
  Whereas, the convent for the Ursuline Sisters was built on January 
15th 1869, and the Sisters began to educate girls of every age and 
condition. This was the beginning of their contribution to the 
education of the youth of the City of Laredo, Texas, for over a hundred 
and thirty-eight years.
  Whereas, the Ursuline Sisters established St. Peter's Memorial School 
in 1989, Ursuline Academy in 1940, and were a part of the faculty at 
Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School, and Blessed Sacrament School.
  Whereas, the new era of Ursuline education was begun through Ursuline 
Academy, which became a well-recognized center of education, serving as 
a college preparatory high school. Many graduates of Ursuline Academy 
went onto higher education, obtaining advanced degrees due to their 
excellent education provided them by the Ursuline Sisters.
  Whereas, loyal to their Ursuline calling and tradition, despite all 
the difficulties and challenges of their journey, the Ursulines 
remained committed to their ministerial call in the City of Laredo in 
providing education to the youth of the City of Laredo until their 
departure from the City of Laredo this spring.
  Whereas, at the end of their service in the City of Laredo for a 
hundred and forty years, the Ursuline Sisters of Laredo will be forever 
remembered for their educational commitment to the youth of Laredo, and 
their religious service to the City of Laredo. In the Spirit of Saint 
Angela, their founder, they will continue to be women of peace and 
reconciliation in our world today, living and working for peace through 
justice in all their relationships toward all peoples and cultures, and 
towards the earth and all creation.
  Be it hereby resolved, That Congressman Henry Cuellar commends the 
Ursuline Sisters for their religious service to the community of 
Laredo, and their remarkable history of providing quality education for 
the youth of Laredo, Texas.

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