[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 57 (Monday, April 20, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S4440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         135TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCHOOL SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS

 Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today I honor the School Sisters of 
St. Francis which will be celebrating 135 years of service in Milwaukee 
on April 24, 2009. I want to share with my colleagues a bit of 
background on the Sisters and call attention to the pivotal role they 
play in Milwaukee's faith community.
  The School Sisters of St. Francis was founded in 1874 in Wisconsin by 
three courageous women Emma Franziska, Mother Alexia; Paulina Schmid, 
Mother Alfons; and Helena Seiter, Sister Clara. A year prior, these 
women left Germany and came to the United States to fulfill their dream 
of founding a Franciscan religious order.
  Their central mission was to help their fellow immigrants and address 
the need for service within the Church. Their dedication to helping 
others has culminated in a network of Sisters who always strive to 
respond to the times they are in, and to the needs of the people whose 
lives are affected by their inspiring work.
  Today that spirit lives on with Sisters, associates, staff, and 
volunteers in India, Europe, Latin America and the United States. The 
Sisters continually demonstrate their compassion for others and have 
often been recognized for their pioneering spirit and innovation in 
education, health care, pastoral ministry, and the arts. Their 
outstanding work promotes human dignity, justice, and outreach to the 
poor. It is with great pride that the people of Wisconsin wish the 
School Sisters of St. Francis a happy 135th anniversary and continued 
success as they carry out their mission in Wisconsin and across the 
globe.

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