[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 102 (Friday, July 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING OUR LADY OF VICTORY PARISH AND 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

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                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2006

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished 
history of the Our Lady of Victory Parish on the occasion of its 100th 
Anniversary. Over the last century, Our Lady of Victory has provided 
spiritual guidance and quality education to generations of families 
throughout the Jefferson Park and Portage Park communities on the north 
side of the City of Chicago.
  Our Lady of Victory was originally established on September 10, 1906 
as a mission of the Saint Edward's Parish. Reverend Martin M. Lennartz 
served as this Catholic community's inaugural Pastor. Its first 
Eucharistic celebrations were held in an unassuming hall located at the 
corner of Milwaukee and Lawrence Avenues.
  It was not until 1907, and the community efforts of Elizabeth 
Massmann, that the congregation was renamed, ``Our Lady of Victory,'' 
after her memory and the name of her childhood church located in the 
state of Ohio.
  The cornerstone of Our Lady of Victory's current location was laid on 
May 22, 1910. The three story structure located at 4444 North Laramie 
Avenue is now but one of the parish's many buildings.
  Today, Our Lady of Victory serves approximately two hundred 
elementary school aged students. It has served over 3,000 families 
throughout the Chicagoland area in its one hundred year history.
  And on October 8, 2006, parishioners and distinguished leaders of our 
community will come together to celebrate this momentous anniversary. 
The Gala Centennial Dinner will take place at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the north side of Chicago 
and the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, I 
wish to recognize the Our Lady of Victory Parish and its Centennial 
celebration. I wish all the best for its clergy, for its families, and 
for its success in the future.

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