[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK

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                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of mew york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in 
support of a resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of the 
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. I want to thank my colleague, 
Mr. Fossella, for taking the lead in sponsoring this Resolution.
  It is a tradition of this legislative body to honor and pay tribute 
to American institutions whose historic significance has contributed to 
the culture and traditions of our citizens. The Archdiocese of New 
York, with its long history of faith and service, is one such 
institution.
  The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York presently covers New York 
City and other areas of southern New York State. When it was 
established on April 8, 1808, the Diocese of New York was under the 
jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and covered all of New 
York State and certain parts of New Jersey. The Diocese was elevated to 
an Archdiocese in 1850. Twelve dioceses now occupy the area that was 
once covered by one.
  Under Archbishop Cardinal Edward M. Egan, the Archdiocese of New York 
now serves 2.5 million New York Roman Catholics and consists of 42 
parishes, 278 elementary schools, and 3,729 charitable ministries.
  The Archdiocese of New York is significant for many reasons. 
Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder of today's Catholic education parochial 
school and the first American-born saint, was a member of the 
Archdiocese. In fact, her name appears on the front doors of the well-
known St. Patrick's Cathedral--the largest decorated gothic-style 
Catholic cathedral in the United States, which is located in my 
district. The New York Archdiocese has also had the honor of hosting 
three papal visits: Pope Paul VI in 1965 and Pope John Paul II in 1979 
and 1995.
  Throughout its rich history and up to the present day, the 
Archdiocese of New York has been generously sustained by its faithful 
parishioners, and has long supported the community through its 
ministries and countless good deeds. I can think of no better time to 
celebrate the Archdiocese than in this, its bicentennial year.

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