[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E161-E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE IMMACULATA CATHOLIC CHURCH 
                             IN CINCINNATI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JEAN SCHMIDT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2010

  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 150th 
Anniversary of the founding of the Immaculata Catholic Church in 
Cincinnati.
  On December 9, 1860, Archbishop John B. Purcell celebrated the 
Immaculata Church during a special High Mass. This first mass marked 
the fulfillment of a heavenly promise that Archbishop Purcell made as a 
passenger aboard a ship sailing through a storm. As the storm raged, he 
promised to build a church on the most prominent point in Cincinnati.
  While most Catholic churches were built by local communities, the 
Immaculata Church was quite different. Archbishop Purcell actually 
purchased the land, donated the stone, and supervised construction from 
start to finish. And, just to be certain that his promise was 
fulfilled, he urged parishioners to walk up the hill where the church 
was being built, and pray for its success along the way.
  In 1970, the Immaculata Parish joined together with neighboring Holy 
Cross Parish. While the parish's name changed to Holy Cross Immaculata, 
its traditions continued. Each year, an estimated 10,000 individuals 
walk up the church's steps on Good Friday, stopping to say a prayer on 
each step.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating the 150th 
Anniversary of the Immaculata Church and wish the parish continued 
success in the future.

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