[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE SISTERS OF MERCY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. W. TODD AKIN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2006

  Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring 
the Sisters of Mercy in my hometown, St. Louis, Missouri on the 150th 
anniversary of their arrival to the United States. Throughout their 
long years of service the Sisters have tirelessly devoted themselves to 
sacrificial living--assisting the poor, the sick, and the uneducated 
throughout Missouri communities.
  This tradition of service began on June 27, 1856, when the Sisters of 
Mercy arrived in St. Louis to open St. Francis Xavier Parish School at 
the request of then Archbishop Peter J. Kenrick. The Sisters later 
expanded their ministry beyond the school walls, establishing an 
orphanage, instituting an industrial school for single-parent children, 
beginning a Sunday school course for African American women, and 
continuously visiting the poor, sick, and imprisoned. The Sisters in 
these ministries frequently incurred personal sacrifices, but this did 
not deter them from their good works.
  In spite of their worthy efforts, the Sisters of Mercy frequently 
encountered obstacles throughout their service including shortages of 
food and clothing, as well as insufficient funding. With undying faith 
and dedication, however, the Sisters were able to overcome these 
challenges. In their many years of service, the Sisters of Mercy have 
worked at five high schools and more than 20 parish elementary schools. 
Additionally, the Sisters have been active in healthcare since 1871, 
when they converted their original school into a hospital that 
continues to provide medical care today. After 150 years of service to 
students, families, the sick, and the underprivileged, the Sisters of 
Mercy have demonstrated their great commitment to the St. Louis 
community. Today we recognize their efforts with the best of our 
admiration and gratitude.

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